Uncrowned Community Builders

Thomas R. White was among the first three African American firefighters in the City of Buffalo. He was born in Rome, Mississippi and came to Buffalo with his family as a young boy. He attended Buffalo schools and served in the Coast Guard during World War II. He began his firefighting career in 1953 at Hook and Ladder 3 spending most of his time there and winning the William J. Conner's Medal for Bravery while assigned there. He was a member of Mount Zion church for more than 40 years presiding over many activities.

Mr. White was 80 years old at the time of his death. He died on February 21, 1996 and is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery.