On Thursday, July 2 retired St. Louis Fire Chief Sherman George gave an inspiring message to kids at the Griot Museum of Black History in North St. Louis.
Children ranging in ages from 6 to 17 were amazed when Missouri’s first African-American fire chief came in the room. He stood next to his wax sculpture, part of the Griot’s permanent collection, and the kids shouted in disbelief at the resemblance.
George gave a message about his upbringing and how he learned to take opportunities when given.
“There are three things you can’t get back,” George said: “time, words and opportunity.”
George briefly explained the different jobs he held prior to becoming a firefighter, which included delivering telegraphs, working at Holiday Inn and Boeing, and combat duty in Vietnam.
During his message he also spoke of taking responsibility for actions.
“There are no excuses,” George said. “If something happens and you are responsible for it, be accountable and figure out how you can make it better.”
He quoted his mother: “Work harder and do better.”
He also described some of his firefighting career. He served 32 years as a firefighter and eight as fire chief. He retired when Mayor Francis Slay ordered him demoted during a conflict over testing and promotions in the department.
“It was a long ride, a great career and difficult, but I knew it would be difficult,” George said.
The kids at the museum enjoyed Chief George’s words and learned lessons from him.
“I learned that I have a lot of opportunities in life and I should take them,” one of the young girls said. “I also know that I need to be confident in everything I choose I do.”
Taylor Bailey is a summer intern from Mizzou.
