First Black Fire Captain and EMT at the Bowling Green Fire Department

BOWLING GREEN, KY.- Being the first is not always easy, but one local fire captain not only made history but also inspired his community. In 1987 a young Bowling Green mechanic and new father made a career decision that not only became a piece of city history. He opened a new door for black men and women in our community.

Captain Herb Mckinney tells us how he got his start in the Fire Department. He says, “It was very interesting at the time. It was a challenge. I’m one of those individuals that always enjoyed a challenging competition. A friend of mine said they didn’t have any black firefighters in Bowling Green. So I said, “Well, I’ll give it a try.”

His confidence and ability earned Herb a position as a firefighter in the Bowling Green Fire Department. Over the years, Herb’s dedication to his work as a firefighter. With his eagerness to continue his education in his position and desire to come out on top, more people noticed, and encouraged him to keep moving up.

Terry McDaniel the Senior Fire investigator at BGFD shares his experience with Captain Herb. McDaniel says, “Before he took the test for Captain, I would go up to him and I was like, okay, man, you know, it’s that time of year again. How do you feel? I’m going to knock it out of the park. I’m going to be the most confident person. It didn’t matter what you were doing, whether you were playing basketball or you’re taking a test for captain, he’s going to win.”

Herb passed the captain’s test with flying colors and earned his rank, becoming the first black captain in the Bowling Green Fire Department. His achievement paved the way and served as an inspiration to those watching. His humility always kept him focused on what herb calls his destiny and dedication to serve and kept his team and the Bowling Green community safe.

Herb’s motivation to succeed and serve inspired future generations not just firefighters. Herb’s son, Patrick McKinney even shares his relationship with his dad. Patrick says, “He had such a good name and good reputation for being his solid, consistent person for all those years, definitely the person I am today. He says that I’m brave for going out and taking risks like I do with the food truck, he’s like, You’re braver than I am. And I’m like, No, I got all of that from you. He just did it in a different type of way.”

Captain Herb was more than a hero, he was a humble man who defied the odds, and paved the way for the firefighters who came after him. Herb also tells us how he knew he was making a significant change. He says, “As time passed, I had some individuals that came to me and said, after talking to you, I was able to make this promotion and I want to thank you because your conversations made a difference and helped me. Once I heard that, then I started realizing that. Then I made a difference.”

Captain Herb McKinney will be honored on February 17th at 1p.m at Conerview Community Church for the history he’s made.