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Hartford Lowering Flags After Former Fire Chief Dies

Kelly Schott/flickr creative commons
Credit fire.hartford.gov
John B. Stewart Jr.

Hartford is going to fly its flags at half-staff in honor of the city's first African-American fire chief, who passed away due to complications from a fall.

John Stewart, Jr. was born in the city and joined the fire department in 1952. He became the first African-American fire chief in New England when he took over the department in the 1980s and served as chief for 12 years before retiring. He then served as majority leader of the city council.

Stewart died Sunday morning at 85. The fire station for Engine Company 14 is named after the former chief.

Mayor Pedro Segarra ordered that city flags be flown at half-staff until next Sunday.

Stewart's funeral is set for Wednesday morning at Faith Congregational Church in Hartford.

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