During what has been a busy week for the Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD) Captain Gregory Harris jumps into his black Ford Crown Victoria and follows a group of rescue vehicles to the scene of a house fire on the Eastside of town.
When he arrives Harris, standing in cold drizzle under an umbrella, waits for information on the condition of the home and the fate of whoever is inside. Suddenly the owner of the home, a kindly middle age woman emerges from the house with firefighters and the battalion chief.
Harris approaches the chief with questions, and seconds later he walks back over to a nearby reporter with a smile and more relaxed posture.
“No one was hurt,” Harris says with relief in his voice. “It was just a stove top kitchen fire, and the damage was minimal.”
Individuals who know Harris would agree that this kind of concern for the welfare of others has played a role in building what has become a rewarding career in public safety.
Most television viewers recognize Harris as Public Information Officer for IFD, the first African American to hold that position. Whenever the news media covers a major fire or accident in the city he is the one who informs the community about any property damage, fatalities or potential traffic jams caused by the incident.
“My job is to serve as the voice and face for the department as it reaches out to the citizens that it serves,” said Harris.
Although his workday technically begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m., he is on call 24 hours a day to survey fires and determine what information needs to be shared with media.
Harris, who celebrated 21 years with IFD last week, has served as its spokesman since 2003, when he was appointed by then Chief Louis Dezelan. It is the most recent appointment in a series of promotions that have brought Harris from a regular firefighter and paramedic, to director of emergency medical services, lieutenant and now captain.
After graduating from Butler University with a degree in history and political science, Harris worked in the private sector before joining IFD in 1987. During his first run in October of that year, he was part of the emergency team that responded to the devastation left by the crash of a military plane at a Ramada Inn near the airport, which killed ten people.
It was also the same year that Joseph Kimbrew, a mentor to Harris, was appointed the first African American chief of IFD by then Mayor William Hudnut.
“Being a part of the first class to graduate under the leadership of the department’s first African American chief was awesome,” Harris said.
City-County Councilman Vernon Brown, who has served as an IFD deputy chief and battalion chief, said Harris has performed well in his position as PIO.
“He works many hours but he does a good job of responding to the fires and giving the appropriate information to the media,” Brown stated.
During the course of a typical week Harris experiences a variety of circumstances that he says sharpens his character and enables him to be a blessing to other individuals.
“A lot of people have told me we (firefighters) are not paid what we’re worth,” he said. “But there’s more to life than money.”
Harris remembers consoling a father who had just lost two daughters in a house fire. The father expressed distress over “not being able to protect” his children.
“I told him that life is full of hills, valleys and detours, but we all reach our final destination,” Harris said. “I said his daughters had reached their destination, but that he would also reach his and be reunited with them. As soon as I said that he grabbed my hand and I knew that God was using me to encourage him that day.”
Harris recalled another incident that occurred when he parked near a fire but remained in his car to write down information. Seeing Harris by himself, a little boy approached the car and asked Harris if he was afraid. Harris said he was fine, but the boy left the car and returned with a stuffed tiger.
“He insisted on naming it ‘Bear’ even though it’s a tiger,” Harris said, laughing. “He told me to take it so I would never be alone, and I still have ‘Bear’ in my car. No amount of money we get can match that kind of love and respect.”
Despite having a job where his presence is needed at a moment’s notice, Harris manages to find time to work as a volunteer in various community organizations.
He has helped organize fundraisers held by Dress for Success, an organization that offers interview tips and professional clothing for disadvantaged women who need employment. Harris recruits firefighters to serve as escorts for models during the annual Steppin’ Out in Style fundraiser, and sometimes serves as an escort himself.
“He is a very genuine and thoughtful person,” said Dana Harrison, executive director of Indianapolis Dress for Success. “You can always tell how heartfelt his work is and how passionate he is for our community.”
Harris also mentors students as a board member of the Butler University Alumni Association, and organizes activities for disadvantaged children at Happy Hollow Camp, a Nashville, Ind. based facility he himself attended as a child.
Harris enjoys the peaceful workout of operating a rowboat at Eagle Creek Reservoir and participates as a judge during activities for the U.S. Rowing Association. He has also made history as one of the first Black executives of the exclusive Columbia Club.
“If we don’t take time to invest in our youth now we’ll pay for it later through the penal system,” said Harris, who hopes to one day become chief of IFD. “These activities provide another way to give back to the community. I never want to forget where I came from and get too big for my britches.”
Next week: In its coverage of Black individuals who serve as the face for public safety agencies, the Recorder will spotlight Captain Phil Burton of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
