KNOXVILLE — Luther Bradley, who served as a Black firefighter with the Knoxville Fire Department, died on May 30 at the age of 98. He was hired by the department in 1952.
Bradley was one of 11 Black men hired by the fire department that year. The group was initially housed at the Engine Company No. 4 fire station in East Knoxville. After approximately one month of training, the firefighters began responding to calls on Aug. 6, 1952.
During his career, Bradley assisted in recruiting other Black men to join the fire department. He reached the rank of Deputy Chief-Fire Marshal in 1985 and retired in 1988 after 36 years of service. In a 2017 statement, Bradley said, "The most rewarding aspect of my job was that the job provided for my family of seven, my wife and five kids." The Knoxville Fire Department released a statement saying, "Many of us at KFD were fortunate to know Chief Bradley, and his legacy will live on in our hearts." The department added, "Chief Bradley didn't likely know it at the time, but he opened many doors for future firefighters in Knoxville, and we will always be grateful."
Bradley was born on Aug. 2, 1927, in Knoxville and worked as a brick mason before joining the fire department. He married his wife, Harriet, in 1948, and they had five children. He is survived by seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A visitation for Bradley will take place on June 8 from 11 a.m. to noon at Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church on College Street. A funeral service and interment will follow the visitation.