Honoring Captain Herb McKinney

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – At Circus Square, Park in Bowling Green the Big Local Fest took place Saturday and at the same time, a recognition ceremony for Captain Herb McKinney.

McKinney was the first black member of the Bowling Green Fire Department who joined in 1981. He would then climb the ranks to become the first black EMT, sergeant and captain for the department. His son, Patrick McKinney, along with other family members, worked together with the city and state government to bestow honors upon the firefighter unbeknownst to him that day.

Herb said it was quite a pleasant surprise to learn that April 13th would be dedicated to him as Captain Herb McKinney day in Bowling Green, as well as being named a Kentucky Colonel with the help of U.S. Congressman Brett Guthrie of Kentucky.

News 40 spoke to Patrick McKinney who told us that a promise to himself, that if he ever had some sort of platform, he would use it at some point to honor his father. He was described as a man who didn’t see color and taught him to view the world the same way.

News 40 also spoke to McKinney who told us a few stories about his life. One of which was some advice from his aunt who was the first black businesswoman in Bowling Green. She told him to remember what he was there for, and not to get caught up in what anyone else had to say.

Herb also recalled a moment in middle school, where he had told the class he wanted to be a firefighter and the whole class laughed, saying there was no such thing as a black firefighter.

Though there may have been some moments of adversity for captain McKinney, the first responder never let the color of his skin dictate how he did his job.