Board of Estimate & Contract:
RESOLVED, that an ordinance adopted by the City Council on November 13, 2024, and signed by the Mayor on November 14, 2024, authorizing the Renaming of Firehouse Station #2 at 435 South Fulton Avenue in Honor of Fire Lieutenant Joseph L. Miles Sr. - (necessary funds for signage, plaques, and other commemorative materials shall be allocated from the City budget under the Department of Recreation’s provisions); be and the same is hereby approved.
City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE
RENAMING OF FIREHOUSE STATION #2
AT 435 SOUTH FULTON AVENUE IN HONOR
OF FIRE LIEUTENANT JOSEPH L. MILES SR.
Whereas, by letter dated October 30, 2024, the Commissioner of the Fire Department has requested legislation authorizing the renaming of Firehouse Station #2, located at 435 South Fulton Avenue, be officially renamed the “Lieutenant Joseph L. Miles Sr. Firehouse” in honor of his outstanding service, dedication to public safety, and advocacy for equality in the fire service; and
Whereas, Fire Lieutenant Joseph L. Miles Sr. was born on July 23, 1935, and served in the United States Army with the 82nd Airborne Division before joining the Mount Vernon Fire Department (MVFD) in 1963, becoming the third African American firefighter to serve within the department; and
Whereas, Lieutenant Miles dedicated 25 years of service to the MVFD, retiring in 1988, and throughout his career, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the fire service profession, consistently advocating for inclusion, equality, and expanding opportunities for people of color within the department; and
Whereas, Lieutenant Miles was instrumental in establishing the Vulcan Society of Westchester, an organization of Black firefighters, and actively participated in a landmark Department of Justice lawsuit, which resulted in the Vulcan Consent Decree and led to fairer hiring practices for minority applicants in the MVFD; and
Whereas, Lieutenant Miles’ leadership and dedication to equity increased the representation of Black firefighters in the MVFD by the 1980s and 1990s, contributing significantly to diversity within the department and improving opportunities for future generations of minority firefighters; and
Whereas, in addition to his professional accomplishments, Lieutenant Miles was a devoted husband, father, and community leader who exemplified the values of public service and inclusion, positively impacting residents and colleagues alike; and
Whereas, renaming Firehouse Station #2 at 435 South Fulton Avenue in his honor will serve as a fitting tribute to his lifelong dedication to the MVFD, the City of Mount Vernon, and his advocacy for fair and equal treatment within the fire service; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain and enact:
Section 1. Renaming Firehouse Station #2. Firehouse Station #2, located at 435 South Fulton Avenue, shall be officially renamed the “Lieutenant Joseph L. Miles Sr. Firehouse” in honor of his outstanding service, dedication to public safety, and advocacy for equality in the fire service.
Section 2. Installation of Commemorative Signage and Plaque. The City of Mount Vernon shall install appropriate signage and a commemorative plaque at the newly named Lieutenant Joseph L. Miles Sr. Firehouse, detailing his life, achievements, and commitment to the community, ensuring that his legacy is preserved for future generations.
Section 3. Dedication Ceremony. The City Council authorizes the Department of Recreation and the MVFD to organize a formal dedication ceremony to honor Lieutenant Miles and celebrate his contributions to the community.
Section 4. Funding and Implementation. Necessary funds for signage, plaques, and other commemorative materials shall be allocated from the City budget under the Department of Recreation’s provisions.
Section 5. Effective Date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its approval by the Board of Estimate & Contract.