MS SR93

Willie Johnson was appointed Fire Chief of Starkville, Mississippi on November 30, 1988, becoming the first African American to hold the position in the city's history.

The Starkville Board of Aldermen approved Johnson's appointment on a 6-1 vote, selecting him from two internal applicants despite his taking a salary decrease from his previous roles as Assistant Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Medical Services.

Johnson prioritized fire prevention education and community service, including implementing free CPR training for senior citizens and low-income residents, establishing smoke detector programs, and modernizing departmental personnel administration and training requirements.

The Senate recognizes Johnson's contributions to the Starkville Fire Department and the community during Mississippi's Black History Month celebration.

The resolution directs the presentation of this resolution to Willie Johnson and his family, the Starkville Board of Aldermen, and the Capitol Press Corps.