In 1938, the city of Wilson professionalized its firefighting operations, converting the white volunteer department to semi-paid status. The Daily Times originally reported that the black volunteer organization, the Red Hots, would be abolished, but here clarified that, while they were being retired from active service, they would continue to send representatives to competitions and state conventions and would be called upon in emergencies.
Wilson Daily Times, 14 July 1938.
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- Ben Mincey
- George Coppedge — in the 1920 census of Wilson, Wilson County: brickmason George Coppedge, 34; wife Mittie, 34; and children George Jr., 4, and Elenora, 2.
- Aaron Best — William Aaron Best died 21 August 1949 at his home at 1009 East Nash Street, Wilson. Per his death certificate, he was born 21 September 1900 in Wilson County to Aaron Best and Nannie Best; was a widower; and had been a laborer at Export Tobacco Company. Audrey Best was informant.
- Ambrose Floyd — in 1942, Ambrose Floyd registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 4 February 1901 in Lumberton, North Carolina; resided at 1214 East Nash Street; his contact was Clara Smith; and he was employed by Gary Fulghum, 901 Branch Street, United States Post Office.
- W.J. Howell
- Henry Sauls — in 1942, Henry Sauls registered for the World War II draft in Wilson. Per his registration card, he was born 10 February 1898 in Black Creek; resided at 21 Carolina Street (mailing address 1114 Carolina Street); his contact was Hattie Davis, 19 Carolina Street; and he worked for W.T. Clark Jr., 1415 West Nash Street, Barnes Street tobacco factory.
- Louis Thomas — in the 1940 census of Wilson, Wilson County: at 715 East Green Street, carpenter Louis Thomas, 53; wife Lillie, 33; and children Louis Jr., 16, Charlie H., 14, and Van Jewel, 12.
This group although ceremonial in nature from this point,1938, forward served as both a symbol of historic black heroes whose stories and technics in firefighting were reenacted in competitions with others from across the state ! Growing up in Wilson during the fifties and sixties this group’s daily practices drew great crowds watching these young men rehearse the skills that there forefathers had used to fight fire ! they were true volunteers fireman . I remember stories of white firemen not crossing the railroad tracks they, the black firemen out put fires until the fifties .
My oldest living brother Edward Hooks and my cousin Roscoe Roundtree both were members of the last team ! Both receive a pension from the association . I will get details from my brother and get it to you !
Thanks, Cas! I wish there were more photos of the Red Hots dating from the era before World War II.