Springfield community honors Leonard A. Corbin, the city’s first African American Firefighter

SPRINGFIELD, Mass (WWLP) – The Springfield Fire Department, police, and community honored the life of Leonard A. Corbin, better known by family, friends, and the community as Lenny. Lenny was the first African American firefighter in the city of Springfield.

The ceremony took place outside of the Mason Square Fire Station, next to the Leonard A Corbin Memorial Monument. Corbin first became a firefighter in 1969 and at the time, was only the second Black firefighter statewide, and the first in the city of Springfield. Lenny passed away in 2008.

“Some people are forgotten, but he is not forgotten here and they made a commitment never to forget him for what he has done and paved the roads in the city of Springfield,” said Leonard’s brother, Eddie Corbin.

Eddie described his brother as gentle, calm, and humble mentioning that he saved many lives across his 32-year career as a firefighter.

When asked about his brother’s legacy, Corbin said, if you are going to do something, do it with your whole heart and so the reward at the end benefits others and not yourself.

Springfield Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi mentioned while he was speaking that due to the pioneering of Lenny, there are minority members at every level at the Springfield Fire Department, from firefighter to district chief.

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