On Saturday, February 17, 2024, a dedication ceremony was held at County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) Fire Station 58 in Ladera Heights honoring the late Assistant Fire Chief Hershel Clady.
This ceremony highlighted the 31-year career accomplishments and legacy of Chief Clady who is recognized as one of the LACoFD’s most influential trailblazers.
County of Los Angeles Second District Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell joined LACoFD Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone, members of the Executive Team, and the Clady family to dedicate Fire Station 58 to a phenomenal individual.
Los Angeles County Stentorians President Johnny Gray III, retired LACoFD Fire Captain Brent Burton representing the
African-American Firefighter Museum, along with other retirees and a host of friends that included retired LACoFD Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby, retired Assistant Fire Chief Dan Scott, and retired Fire Chief David L. Washington of the Las Vegas Fire and Rescue Department shared heartfelt stories and tributes during the ceremony.
“It gives me great pride to sit on that dais every Tuesday and to have the privilege and honor to carry a motion to rename a fire station in our community for a courageous leader…,” said Supervisor Mitchell.
In 1969, Chief Clady began a distinguished and impressive career with LACoFD and held history-making promotions. He’s recognized as a true hero, a catalyst for change, a mentor, and for placing significant value in the success of others. He was one of only seven Black firefighters hired by the LACoFD at that time and promoted becoming the first Black firefighter specialist in 1976. He later became the first Black promoted to fire captain in 1977. In 1987, he was promoted to battalion fire chief and then became assistant fire chief in 1993 until his retirement.
He is highly regarded as a champion for diversity, equity, belonging and inclusion at Fire Station 58, which became known affectionately as “Clady’s Station” and a training center for firefighters across the state.
While the month of February is observed as Black History Month, the LACoFD is pleased to commemorate the life and impact of Assistant Fire Chief Hershel Clady through its dedication of Fire Station 58.
