Firefighters Mourn NHFD’s Jackie Robinson

The mood at the Goffe Street firehouse was somber as the weather as New Haven Firebirds Society members remembered a man they considered the godfather of their organization, a mentor and a friend.

Lt. Gary Tinney, first assistant director of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters, said if it hadn’t been for George Sweeney, he might not be a New Haven firefighter today.

“I wanted to be a part of the fire service because of him,” Tinney said. ​“If it wasn’t for him and his stance, we wouldn’t be here.”

Sweeney, the city first black New Haven line firefighter, joined the department in 1957. He fought to diversify it. He also dedicated his life to giving minority children a shot at an education.

Sweeney, who retired from the fire department as a lieutenant, died unexpectedly at 82 on Dec. 5. He’d maintained an active connection with the Firebirds, of which he was a founding member, up until his death, Tinney said. With his snow white hair and mustache he often played Santa Claus at Christmas time.

But what he is most known for is leading the Firebirds, which represent African-American firefighters, to file a class-action lawsuit over the low number of minorities then in the fire department in 1972. A year later a judge ruled in favor of the Firebirds, forcing the department to institute a one-to-one hiring ratio (one minority officer for every non-minority officer) until the department had 75 black and Latino firefighters in their ranks.

Doug A. Wardlaw, second vice president for the New Haven Firebirds Society, called Sweeney, who was president during the time of the lawsuit, appeals and countersuits, was ​“a grounding force for us.”

“He kept us level,” Wardlaw said. ​“As young cats, we took everything so personal, and when we were getting angry and physically wanting to change things, he would calm us down.”

He also didn’t hesitate to tell the younger generation of firefighters hard truths when they needed to hear it, Wardlaw said. ​“He never sugarcoated a thing,” he said. ​“He made sure that there was a level playing field and he was the godfather of the Firebirds. He will be missed.”

Sweeney also was known for saving lives, as U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro noted upon his retirement in 1996. DeLauro read a tribute into the Congressional Record about how Sweeney had been commended by the Board of Fire Commissioners for his actions during a four-alarm blaze at the Yale Art & Architecture Building on June 14, 1969. He also was awarded a meritorious citation for his part ​“in a heroic attempt to rescue two children from the second floor of a three story building.”

“George’s actions speak to his immeasurable sense of responsibility to the citizens of New Haven,” DeLauro said. ​“George Sweeney has devoted himself and his life to a career as a firefighter in the city of New Haven. For over 39 years, George has served the people of the city. In that time, he has truly made a difference in people’s lives, in some cases his efforts have meant the difference between life and death.”

Tinney had seen Sweeney just a couple of days before his passing. He said the active retired firefighter appeared to be in good health, though he was having some trouble with his breathing. Tinney said Sweeney’s breathing didn’t stop him from looking forward to a trip up to Martha’s Vineyard, where he and some of the Firebirds vacationed each year. Tinney said Sweeney was instrumental in the many community connections that the Firebirds have maintained over the years including its annual turkey giveaway at Thanksgiving and its annual toy and coat drive for Christmas.

“He was 82, but he operated like he was 45,” Tinney said with a wistful chuckle. ​“He truly lived life to the fullest and had fun. It’s going to be hard to go to events and not see him. He showed up to everything.”

Sweeney also was an avid golfer and longstanding member of the Knickerbockers Golf Club Inc.

New Haven Firebirds Society President William ​“Billy” Augustine (pictured with Sweeney) said Sweeney was someone he frequently sought out for guidance and advice.

“He was an awesome person and he leaves behind some really big shoes to fill,” he said. ​“He’s the reason why blacks and Hispanics have jobs in the fire department today. That’s why we’ve got an award named after him.”

The Firebirds have bestowed the George Sweeney Trailblazer award on Mayor Toni Harp and freedom rider Lula White. At the request of Sweeney’s family, the Firebirds will further honor Sweeney by giving a scholarship in his name and are asking that instead of flowers that donations be made to the George Sweeney Scholarship Fund.

Sweeney’s oldest grandson, Dodd White, said that his grandfather worked hard and was committed to providing access to opportunities, particularly for disadvantaged and minority children.

“He believed that education was the doorway to opportunity,” he said. ​“And access was important to the trajectory of not only an individual person’s life, but to that person’s family and the next generation beyond. He pushed all of his children and his grandchildren to seek and attain an education including in trades or through advanced education in college. He was firm believer in education of all types.”

Following is an obituary sent by the Howard K. Hill Funeral Home:

George Sweeney, 82, entered into eternal rest on December 5, 2014 at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He was born on March 14, 1932 in New Haven, son of the late James and Leonora Sweeney. He is predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Joyce P. Sweeney and a brother, Alfred Sweeney. George is survived by his sister, Evelyn Singley.

He was the loving father of Karen Sweeney of New Haven and Leonora Sweeney of Washington, DC. Beloved grandfather of three, LaShay Wilkerson of Washington, DC, Marlon Sweeney of Hamden and Dodd White of Washington, DC. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Corey, Coraz, Miara and LaRell, a great great-granddaughter Gabrielle, and several nieces and nephews.

A graduate of Wilbur Cross High School, George became the first black firefighter to be assigned to a firehouse for the City of New Haven in 1957. His 39 year career with the fire department was filled with many firsts, helping pave the way for black firefighters to follow. He was a past president of the Knickerbocker’s Golf Club, a founding member and past president of the Firebird Society of New Haven, and a past president of the Antillean Center.

George dedicated his life to creating access and opportunities for minorities and the disadvantaged. He enjoyed many hobbies, but golf was his favorite. Most of all, he enjoyed the company of his family and friends. His door was always open and his kitchen table available for all visitors. Our entire family sends gratitude for the love, care and support from George’s medical team at the Smilow Cancer Hospital during his final days.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Dec. 15 at 10 a.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 111 Whalley Avenue, New Haven. Burial will follow at Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. Family will receive friends on Dec. 14, 2014 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church, 782 Orchard Street, New Haven.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the George Sweeney Scholarship Fund at P.O. Box 9264 New Haven, CT 06533. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St. New Haven, CT 06511. To leave online condolences, please visit www.hkhfuneralservices.com.