Des Moines Fire Department

The Des Moines Fire Department has a complex history marked by both racial exclusion and the courageous efforts of Black firefighters who fought for equality within its ranks. For over 50 years, African Americans were effectively barred from joining the department until three pioneering individuals—Walt Williams Sr., Milford Fonza, and Terrell “Terry” Knox—broke the barrier. Hired in 1967, 1968, and 1970, respectively, they were all assigned to Fire Station No. 4 at 9th & University Avenue, a location that became a focal point for racial tensions within the department.

Despite their groundbreaking presence, these men faced severe discrimination and harassment. They were segregated into a "Black bunk" in the dormitory and endured hostility from colleagues who sought to make their time at the firehouse as difficult as possible. The mistreatment was relentless, making their work environment both physically and emotionally challenging. Due to the unyielding racism they encountered, two of the three Black firefighters resigned by the late 1970s. Walt Williams Sr., however, persevered and remained with the department for another decade, enduring years of unfair treatment but refusing to be pushed out.

Systemic racial exclusion within the Des Moines Fire Department persisted until 1980, when two other Black firefighters, Greg Perry and Dennis Moore, filed a civil rights lawsuit. Represented by NAACP attorneys Russell Lovell and Richard Wright, their case resulted in a Federal Court Consent Decree in 1984. This decree mandated systemic changes to create a more inclusive fire department and required a decade-long monitoring process to ensure compliance. The lawsuit was a pivotal moment in Des Moines' civil rights history, forcing institutional change and opening doors for future firefighters of color.

The bravery of these men extended beyond their firefighting duties. They not only risked their lives in service to their community but also challenged discriminatory practices that had long prevented African Americans from pursuing careers in the fire department. Their fight for equality paved the way for greater diversity and inclusivity within the Des Moines Fire Department, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations of Black firefighters. Today, their courage and persistence serve as a reminder of the importance of challenging injustice and striving for equity within all public service institutions.