COLUMBUS — Douglas Thompson, the first black volunteer firefighter inducted by the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department, was honored at the Fourth Annual Black History Celebration on Feb. 28 at the First Church of the Nazarene (CFCN) in Columbus.
Columbus Fire Chief Richard LaCourse gave a talk on Thompson's success as a firefighter.
The theme of the service was Honoring the Past. Inspiring the Future with Dr. Cynthia Robin Thompson, CFCN Lady-Elect as the MC. Songs of praise were inspirational with the CFCN Praisers, New Greater Smith Chapel Baptist Church and a rendition by internationally-renowned pianist, Robert Saunders.
Black history has been celebrated for 100 years. So many black individuals go unnoticed; however, this year, Thompson took center stage. He was a Columbus citizen and was very involved in his community. He coached Little League, attended church, and, on July 10, 1978, broke the glass ceiling when he was asked to join the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department. He worked at Columbus Carpets, where three other fire-fighters pushed him into joining. He attended fire school and served with the department for a number of years, coaxing his brother, Michael, to join the CVFD. Thompson died in 1997.
He broke the glass ceiling because he dreamed the dream and succeeded.
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
- Harriet Tubman.
And Thompson did.
Rev. Michael Thompson, right, brother of Douglas and CVFD firefighter, enjoys the talk that Columbus Fire Chief Richard LaCourse gave on the late Douglas Thompson during the Fourth Annual Black History Celebration at the First Church of the Nazarene in Columbus on Feb. 28. Photo by John Jones, Banner Press
DOUGLAS THOMPSON
