Captain David James Floyd

David James Floyd, F.D.N.Y. 
First president of the
International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters

1960- David James Floyd was appointed to the F.D.N.Y. On October 29, 1960 and assigned to Division 11, in Brooklyn New York., As Firefighter 4th Grade he was assigned to Engine 238 on March 11, 1961, as Firefighter 3rd Grade he was assigned to Ladder 108 on April 28, 1962.
1966- On June 11, 1966 David James Floyd was assigned to Rescue Company 2 in Brooklyn New York, becoming the FIRST BLACK FIREFIGHTER
ever assigned to a Rescue Company in the HISTORY of the FDNY !
1971- David James Floyd was promoted on December 4, 1971 to the rank of Lieutenant.
1972- At the second Biennial Convention of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters, in St. Louis, Missouri,
more than fifty delegates and wives attended.
David James Floyd was re-elected International President and Vincent W. Julius was elected Corresponding Secretary.
Lieutenant David James Floyd was assigned to Ladder 123 on February 5, 1972, the roster of this  legendary and illustrious Fire Company had the largest Black Firefighters representation than any Fire Company in Brooklyn, 17 of the  25 members were Black.
1973- On June 23, 1973 Lieutenant David James Floyd returned to Rescue Company 2 as a Rescue Officer.
After other assignments Brother Floyd was Promoted to Captain on April 18, 1987, and his last assignment was as Captain of Ladder 20 in Lower Manhattan.
He retired on April 24, 1996 after 36 Years of service to the F.D.N.Y.
And, having served as President of the IABPFF for its first Decade, 1970-1980

Among Brother Floyd's many accomplishments are, the dedication of the Street where the Harlem YMCA is located, 135th Street between Lenox Avenue and 5th Avenue as "Chief Wesley Williams Place", in Honor of the founder of the Vulcan Society FDNY, Who used the Harlem Y as his training facility to prepare for, and maintain his legendary physical prowess to deal with the trials and tribulations of being a Black Man in a mostly all White environment.
Brother Floyd also is primarily responsible for the Chief Wesley Williams Statue that is located within the Harlem YMCA.
Attached are archives from the New York City Council's Local Law Intro# 819 approving the Street designation, along with fascinating supporting documents about the legendary Chief, including a letter of encouragement from Fireman John Woodson postmarked January 6, 1919 on what to expect, and suggestions on how to handle the FDNY adversity.
So, whether your a young Black Firefighter within the FDNY, or a member of the IABPFF traveling to the Memorial from out of town as a show of respect to Brother Floyd's Family, remember OUR History belongs to US, cherish and protect it, Brother Floyd's vision, sacrifice and dedication are our Shining examples of what is possible.
Brother Floyd's flyers were handed out by Vulcan's throughout the city in the late sixties and early seventies announcing "CAN YOU FILL THESE BOOTS " ? (With his Name on the Boot)
Classes are being held at Vulcan Hall on becoming a New York City Fireman, I was handed one of those flyers leaving the Subway one day.
So, "All that I am, I owe, I live Eternally in the Red" thanks to Captain David James Floyd.
Fraternally,
EL