IFD’s first African-American chief dies

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Retired Indianapolis Fire Department Chief Joseph D. Kimbrew, 86, the department’s first African-American chief, died Thursday.

Kimbrew joined IFD in 1955, and he spent the next 37 years with the department before retiring in 1992.

In 1987, he became the first African-American IFD chief.

Kimbrew was an Indianapolis native, Crispus Attucks High School graduate and still lived in the city at his death.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at Stuart Mortuary Chapel, 2201 N. Illinois Street, on Thursday, July 23.

A viewing is scheduled for July 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be followed by a celebration of life service at New Wineskin Ministries, 4501 West 38th Street.