Luther Hooey collection

1941-1976

Luther M.B. Hooey began working as a fire fighter for the New York City Fire Department (NYCFD) in 1942. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1954, and to captain in 1962. When the Fire Prevention Unit was established in 1956, Hooey, one of 35 blacks in the department, was one of the two officers appointed. Working mainly with audio-visual aids, Hooey addressed thousands of New Yorkers yearly in every borough, wrote his own scripts for radio and television appearances and prepared various Fire Department pamphlets and brochures. In the 1950's Hooey served as president of the Vulcan Society, a fraternal organization of black fire fighters employed by the NYCFD. While president of the society, Hooey conceived the idea of forming a study group within the society for the promotion to lieutenant. He received six decorations of valor. The Luther Hooey collection consists primarily of letters of appreciation and commendation written by schools, hotels, and social and other organizations to which Hooey had given presentations concerning fire safety. A 1941 letter from Walter White congratulates Hooey on his high score for appointment to the NYCFD, and letters from fire commissioners Robert O. Lowery to Hooey and to Edward F. Cavanagh, Jr. and other officers commend Hooey's professionalism. A letter from Thurgood Marshall presents a monetary gift to the Vulcan Society from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (1956). There are also two certificates presented by Mayor Robert F. Wagner, Jr., as well as two papers Hooey wrote about chief Wesley Williams of the NYCFD and the dangers Involved in using Kerosene oil heaters. Several news articles feature stories about Hooey and two Vulcan Society programs for memorial services list Hooey (1975-1976).