Black History Month: Meet El Centro’s first Black fire battalion chief
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) - To celebrate Black History Month, we're highlighting locals leaving a lasting legacy in our community. This week, we highlight El Centro's first Black fire battalion chief, Albert Newton.
The local father wore many hats in the community from a deacon to a cadet to a teacher, president of the NAACP, and even served in the U.S. Navy.
He also served the fire department for 25 years, all while being a teacher at the same time. He went back to school at the national fire academy and went on to earn several more high honors.
"I was graduated into the senate, and then I become senator representing the Imperial County and the California Senior Legislature which I still retain," said Newton.
Newton just celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by several locals inspired by his story.
"His story does inspires me. He's very important in the community. He's done a lot. He's contributed to a lot of people," said Rosalind Summers, Albert's friend.
His legacy is forever engraved in the city. His name is on the first responders wall in the valley, recognizing those who have been in the fire department for more than 15 years.
