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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Ordinary hero

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Everyone loves a superhero, someone mightier than any mortal, who can swoop in faster than a speeding bullet to save the day. But in real life, our heroes aren’t caped crusaders with otherworldly strength; they’re just ordinary people with extraordinary gifts.

The late Joseph M. Perkins was one of those ordinary heroes.

Perkins, a native of Richmond, Indiana, loved his community. The firefighter served his town for 38 years before retiring as battalion chief. During his tenure, he earned the distinction of Firefighter of the Year and was awarded the Governor’s Distinguished Hoosier Award. He was well known for his dedication and service. He was active in his home church, Bethel A.M.E., and held several leadership roles. He was involved in education as an adviser at Crestdale Elementary, Richmond High School and Ivy Tech Community College.

Perkins’ civic engagement includes service with the city of Richmond’s Equal Employment Opportunities Grievance Committee and the City of Richmond Credit Union Board of Directors. He also helped out the administration of the local YMCA and served on the board of the Townsend Community Center.

Perkins was a philanthropist of sorts, as well. Early on in the planning stages for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Perkins became a charter member and consistent donor to the project. His family had plans to take him to see the museum, but his health never improved enough to make the trip.

The Richmond Ambassador, as family and friends called him, departed this life on Feb. 14 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 80 years old and left behind his wife, Edith, and three children.

His daughter, Jennifer Perkins, said she finds solace in the fact that her father played an active role in her life and the lives of others. “I’m thankful for that, and it helps me get through the grieving process.”

Jennifer recalled how in their close-knit neighborhood, mothers could confidently send their children out to play, because her father would often be sitting in his garage, looking over everyone. His presence, she shared, put everyone at ease. He also loved to challenge the young boys to a game of basketball and could always be counted on to lend a helping hand by shoveling snow or mowing neighbors’ yards.

Some of her fondest memories go back to when she was in kindergarten. Despite having a taxing fireman’s schedule, Perkins made sure to have a snack prepared for his little girl after school. He also made holidays a huge deal in their home, as he lost his own father at a very early age.

“He loved to laugh; he was a big kid in a lot of ways. Holidays were always big for him, whether it was having a Santa come into the house or carving pumpkins at Halloween … he wanted to make sure we had a wonderful experience,” she said, adding that he wanted to give his children the role model and example he never had.

Joseph Perkins’ father repaired automobiles for a living and was killed in a tragic industrial fire. Jennifer believes her dad became a firefighter as a way to honor the legacy of his father and his older brother, who was also a firefighter.

Tim Brown, Richmond’s assistant fire chief, worked alongside Perkins for many years. Brown said he and Perkins had a close personal and professional relationship.

“Chief Perkins was very fair and knowledgeable with what he did for the department. Under his leadership, we knew we were safe and that the incident scene would be safe,” he said. Brown said one particular incident involving a family trapped in a house fire is a poignant memory of his. The scene, as he describes it, was a chaotic one. Perkins arrived in a command car and settled everyone, diligently and effectively directing each person to their post. The family was evacuated and received the care they needed.

Chaotic moments like that one were not out of Perkins’ reach. In 1968, just days after Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, several explosions erupted in downtown Richmond. What was rumored to be a possible act of violence or civil disobedience was actually the result of a natural gas leak coming into contact with nearby gunpowder and ammunition. It rocked the community nonetheless, as dozens of people were killed, more than 100 people were injured and several businesses were destroyed. Perkins, who was off duty that day, sprang into action, rescuing many people.

Plans are underway now to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the explosion.

Brown said his friend, former boss and mentor shared much of his wisdom with him and influenced him to be the servant he is today.

“Joe was a very valued member of the community and fire department,” said Brown. “He will be sadly missed.”

Following her father’s passing, Jennifer has heard several stories like Brown’s and knows there are many more.

Jennifer said when her father first learned of his sickness, he was a fighter — ready to go after it in any way possible. At the same time, he was a realist.

“He talked to us kids about the fact that he wasn’t afraid to die. He felt like he had lived a good life,” she said. “What I would like him to be remembered for is the fact that he was a true good Samaritan. Being a firefighter was the perfect profession for him, because helping people was at the heart of who he was.”

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