Mayor Steven Fulop congratulates Dwayne Taylor as he is promoted to battalion chief.
Dwayne and seven other firefighters were promoted by the Jersey City Fire Department in a ceremony on Jan. 13.
Grandson of firefighting trailblazer reaches new heights By Daniel Israel Photos courtesy of City of Jersey City
T
he grandson of Jersey City’s first Black firefighter received a promotion to battalion chief in January. He and seven other firefighters were promoted by the Jersey City Fire Department in a ceremony on Jan. 13. Dwayne Taylor is a third-generation firefighter in Jersey City. Thomas Gerald 22 • Jersey CITY Magazine ~ SPRING | SUMMER 2022
Taylor, his grandfather, made history in 1950 when he was hired by the JCFD. Through years of hard work and dedication, he rose to the rank of captain. Taylor also served as the president of the Jersey City branch of the NAACP, and cofounded a civic organization for Black and minority firefighters from northern New Jersey municipalities known as the Vulcan Pioneers. “I share this proud day with my family and community,” said Battalion Chief Dwayne Taylor back in January.
