Hershel Clady

Hershel Clady attended San Diego High School shortly after his family relocated to San Diego from Memphis, Tennessee. He joined the Air Force in 1961 and was stationed in Kokomo, IN. After his military service he relocated to Los Angeles in 1969 and later applied and was hired by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Over the next seven years Hershel became the first African-American promoted to Fire Engineer and Fire Captain of Los Angeles County’s history. He was later promoted to Battalion Chief in 1987 and achieved the rank of Assistant Fire Chief in 1993. Throughout his successful career, Hershel championed the fight for equal rights of African-Americans and other people of color against biased employment exams and physical tests not only in Los Angeles County, where he took such cases to the U. S. Supreme Court, but throughout the nation. Another historical moment occurred when President George H. W. Bush, specifically called out to meet Assistant Chief Clady upon his visit to Los Angeles after the L. A. Riots. Hershel Clady dedicated his career to improving public and fire safety standards. He also particularly addressed the underrepresentation of African-American women, and served as a mentor in their

recruitment, training and career development. Hershel enjoyed attending Clady Family reunions and hosting Labor Day gatherings. Upon retirement Hershel was an Avid golfer, traveling to tournaments and winning various trophies. Hershel served as an officer and member of various boards and associations and received many awards and accolades from the community during his 31-year public service career. Some of his achievements Include:

• Regional Director, International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters
• Member, International Association of Fire Chiefs
• Past President, Stentorians of Los Angeles County
• Board Member, Black County Employees Association
• National Douglass Alumni Association
• Member, Black Chief Officers Association
• Board Member, Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute
• Co-Founder of Professional Black Professional Female FireFighters of Southern California
• Board member, Gwen Bolden Foundation
• Past President, Chester Washington Golf Club
• Los Angeles Firefighter of the Year

Hershel Clady (August 1941-January 2023)