New organization that honors black firefighters to open

CHICAGO (AP) - A new organization for to promote, remember and protect African American firefighters and emergency workers is opening its doors on the Chicago's southwest side.

The Black Fire Brigade will officially open its doors with a June 23 ceremony at the brigade's new home that will include the unveiling of a memorial to the 13 black Chicago firefighters and paramedics who have died in the line of duty.

Among those being honored is an African American firefighter who two years ago led an effort to collect and deliver thousands of cases of water to residents of Flint, Michigan, who were dealing with toxic tap water.

The brigade was launched this year to do things like provide continuing education and preserve the history of African American firefighters and EMS service people.