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Statement on Passing of former Atlanta Fire Rescue Chief William H. Hamer
Post Date:07/16/2025 3:30 PM
Statement on Passing of former Atlanta Fire Rescue Chief William H. Hamer
ATLANTA—Mayor Andre Dickens issued the following statement.
“I am so saddened to learn that Atlanta’s first Black fire chief, William H. Hamer has passed away.
“Chief Hamer made history 40 years ago when Mayor Andrew Young appointed him to the post.
“But well before that, he was one of the original 16 Black firefighters who integrated Atlanta Fire Rescue in 1963.
“Most of us will never know the pressures of being the ‘first.’ What we do know though is that this city will never stop celebrating the legacy of fortitude, faith and fearlessness that Chief Hamer and his trailblazing compatriots have left with us.
“On behalf of the City of Atlanta, I offer sincere condolences to Chief Hamer’s wife Eva, his children and grandchildren, as well as his extended family and friends.”
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