We honor Milford Fonza, a trailblazer whose dedication to public service and perseverance in the face of adversity left an indelible mark on our community and beyond.
Born in 1943 to Hallie and Blossom Fonza, Milford grew up in a close-knit, talented family. A graduate of East High School in 1962, he served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, from May 1962 to May 1965, as a skilled Radar Operator. But his ultimate dream—sparked at the young age of 12 after witnessing the noble work of firefighters saving his family’s home—was to become a firefighter himself.
That dream did not come without its challenges. Despite facing systemic barriers and discrimination, Milford remained steadfast. His persistence and courage, along with unwavering support from organizations like the Des Moines Human Rights Commission and the Des Moines NAACP, led to his historic appointment on August 7, 1967, as the first African American firefighter in Des Moines since 1919.
Milford’s assignment to Station 15 (now Station 4) with Engine 15 in the 1st Division marked the beginning of a groundbreaking career in fire service. Though he faced resistance and discrimination early on, including being segregated from white firefighters and being denied membership in the local firefighter's union, Milford persevered. By the time he left the Des Moines Fire Department on November 19, 1973, the camaraderie among his colleagues had begun to grow, as evidenced by the going-away lunch they held in his honor.
Milford’s passion and dedication continued to shine as he moved to California, where he built a remarkable career, rising through the ranks from firefighter to Fire Chief for the City of Compton. His contributions extended beyond his professional achievements; Milford mentored young African Americans interested in firefighting and was active in numerous organizations, leaving a lasting impact on the communities he served.
Milford Fonza’s story is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice. His fight to achieve his dream paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion within the fire service, inspiring generations to dream big and persevere.
We honor Milford Fonza not just for his extraordinary career but for his enduring legacy—a legacy built on a foundation of determination, service, and a deep belief in the power of equality.
Thank you, Milford, for opening doors and showing us all the noble path of service and justice.
- Thank you to Milford Fonza and Honesty Parker for your contributions to this post
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