^^^^ ( a previous article)
Elbert Washington was a Two Term Past President of the Vulcan Society Inc. FDNY. Elbert retired due
to Line of Duty Injuries on May 1, 1999, his last assignment was as a Duty Public Information Officer, in
the Press Office. Elbert was elected as the IAFF Union Delegate in Two Fire Companies, Squad Company
One, and Rescue Company where He was the only Black Firefighter in the Company.
Elbert transferred to Rescue Two in June of 1981, while there He was Awarded a Medal for the Rescue of
a off duty Police Officer in 1983. Rescue Two is where founding IABPFF President David James Floyd
became the first Black Rescue Firefighter in FDNY History, through the efforts of the Vulcan
Society. Elbert became the third to serve in the Busiest Rescue Company in the FDNY for Eleven
Years. At the time of his retirement on May 1, 1999, He received a Proclamation from the First Black
Councilwoman elected to the NYC Council, Councilwoman Mary Pinkett, where He was Honored as the
Most Decorated Black Firefighter in FDNY History at the time of my Retirement.
Mr. Washington served as the Northeast Region’s Election Chair for several years, based on his
experience of having worked on a variety of elections, while employed as an Administrator with the
American Arbitration Association since 1969. Elbert was recruited by the Vulcan Society in 1971, when
He was handed a flyer at a Subway Station that said,
“Can You Fill These Boots” ? Free Firefighter Classes are being offered at Vulcan Hall, the name on the
Boot was D. Floyd. Elbert joined the classes, and it changed the direction of his life.
