Mayor Kenney Issues Statement on Passing of Former Fire Commissioner Harold B. Hairston

PHILADELPHIA— Mayor Jim Kenney has issued the following statement on the passing of former Fire Commissioner Harold B. Hairston. Hairston, appointed to the position by then Mayor Ed Rendell in 1992, was Philadelphia’s first African American Fire Commissioner. He held the post until 2004.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Commissioner Hairston’s passing. He was a dedicated firefighter and an outstanding commissioner. He left a lasting impact on the Department and our city. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He will be missed.”