October 21, 2023 - The City of Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne Fire Department today are mourning the passing of the first Black firefighter hired in Fort Wayne.
Richard Ridley, Jr., served the FWFD from 1961-1985. Mr. Ridley also had a brother, son, and nephew serve with the FWFD. Two additional nephews continue to serve with the FWFD.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ridley family and our FWFD family.