Phoenix of the Detroit Fire Department.
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit rooted in Detroit. A voice for minority firefighters. A partner to the community. A six-decade legacy still rising.
The Phoenix symbolizes rising from challenge with purpose, strength, and renewed commitment. For the Phoenix of the Detroit Fire Department, the name reflects a legacy of resilience, advocacy, service, and the belief that from the ashes, we rise.
Six decades of brotherhood, sisterhood, and service.
Phoenix of the Detroit Fire Department was founded in 1967 following the events of that year. Our mission centers on assisting minorities with entering and advancing in the fire service and acting as a liaison between the Detroit Fire Department and the community we serve. Phoenix is composed of active and retired Detroit Fire Department members who work together to create a greater collective impact for our members and the community we serve and protect.
Sixty years later, the mission stands. We are a voice inside the department, a partner to the community, and stewards of Historic Engine 11 — a Detroit landmark that anchors our work and our legacy.
Through Project 100, outreach, scholarships, and retiree support, the Phoenix carries forward the principle our name was built on: from the ashes, we rise.
What guides us.
To serve as a voice for minority firefighters, a liaison between the Detroit Fire Department and the community, and a force for recruitment, mentorship, preservation, and service.
To remain a strong, connected fire service community — supporting active Detroit firefighters, honoring retirees and Phoenix legacy leaders, preparing future candidates through Project 100, preserving Phoenix history, and standing with the Detroit community we serve.
Service · Brotherhood · Sisterhood · Legacy · Advocacy · Community
What we stand for.
Professional Development
Preparing the next generation of Detroit firefighters through Project 100 mentorship, candidate guidance, and continued growth opportunities for active and retired members.
Health & Wellness
Caring for the well-being of Phoenix members — active and retired — through active and retired firefighter fellowship, family support, and connection to the Phoenix community.
Equitable Inclusion
Advocating for representation, opportunity, and access within the Detroit Fire Department, and serving as a voice for minority firefighters and the communities of Detroit.
Community Engagement
Serving Detroit through the annual backpack giveaway, senior feeding and fellowship, support for families impacted by fire, and stewardship of Historic Engine 11.
A timeline of legacy.
From founding in 1967 to a 60-year milestone in 2027.
- 1883Historic Engine 11 Built
Historic Engine 11 was built at 2733 Gratiot Avenue on Detroit's east side.
- 1967Phoenix is Founded
Phoenix is founded in Detroit, following the events of 1967, to advocate for minority firefighters and serve as a liaison between the Detroit Fire Department and the community.
- 2002Phoenix Purchases Historic Engine 11
After the building stood vacant for nearly twelve years, Phoenix officially purchases Historic Engine 11, establishing a permanent home for advocacy, mentorship, preservation, and service.
- 202760 Years of Phoenix
Phoenix prepares to celebrate 60 years of service, legacy, advocacy, and community impact while hosting the 2027 North Central Region Spring Conference in Detroit.
Historic Engine 11.
Historic Engine 11 is more than a headquarters. It is a Detroit landmark, a gathering place, a preservation responsibility, and a living connection to the fire service legacy Phoenix continues to carry forward.
Recruitment, Mentorship, and Preparation.
Through Project 100, Phoenix supports candidates by helping them understand the Detroit Fire Department pathway, prepare for prerequisite steps, and connect with mentors who understand the discipline and commitment required to pursue the fire service.
Eligibility, testing, hiring, training, and employment decisions are determined by the Detroit Fire Department.
Meet the Phoenix board.
Phoenix is led by an elected Executive Board and Board of Trustees, alongside an active membership of Detroit firefighters, retirees, and community partners.
Executive Board
Board of Trustees
Celebrating 60 Yearsin 2027.
As Phoenix prepares to celebrate 60 years of service, legacy, advocacy, brotherhood, sisterhood, and community impact, the organization continues to honor those who built the foundation while preparing for the future still rising ahead.
The Phoenix of the Detroit Fire Department is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.