Engine Company 21 (Chicago)

According to a November 1872 article in the Chicago Daily Tribune announcing the purchase of three new steam pumpers, which would allow for the creation of three new fire stations, "of course it is conceded on all sides that one of the companies will be composed of colored men, but it is not definitely known whether it will be commanded by a Caucasian".

[1] An announcement the next month that the company would be located on May Street was accompanied by a warning that "any infringement upon the rights of the members by the people in the vicinity will be punished by the removal of the engine.

Reid reached the ground before those on the second floor who were using the spiral staircase, which at the time were used in firehouses to keep the horses from climbing upstairs.

[9][11] He received permission to cut a hole in the floor but was told that if the experiment did not work, the team would have to pay for the repairs.

[4] According to Dekalb Walcott, the company "recorded at the top of Chicago's list for responding to the most working fires, run time, and overall responses.