Joyce Craig Lewis | Philadelphia Women’s History Month All-Star

All-Star #8: Joyce Craig Lewis

Joyce Craig Lewis | Philadelphia Women’s History Month All-Star

All-Star #8: Joyce Craig Lewis

By The Citizen
TODAY'S ALL-STAR FULL 2021 ALL-STAR LIST

08

Joyce Craig Lewis

Firefighter

Joyce Craig Lewis

Firefighter

1977-2014

In 2014, Joyce Craig Lewis became the first female firefighter in Philadelphia to die in the line of duty, while trying to save an elderly woman during a house fire in West Oak Lane.

Lewis knew she wanted to be a firefighter from the time she was 5 years old, watching as firefighters passed by her house at Ridge and Midvale in the Northeast.

Lewis served on several engines and ladders for the Philadelphia Fire Department, including Engine 9, Engine 45, Ladder 21, and Engine 64.

The Philadelphia Fire Department and Club Valiants, an association for Black firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians, honored her with a tombstone shaped like a firefighter’s badge.


EDUCATION

  • Firefighter Academy, 2004


ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • Served as part of Philadelphia’s Fire Department for 11 years.
  • Posthumously promoted to lieutenant.


FINAL WORDS: At the time of her death, Philadelphia’s Fire Commissioner, Derrick Sawyer said, “I know she was a great firefighter. I know she gave her life protecting the citizens of this city.”


RELATED READING

From Black History Month All-Stars
Dr. Rebecca Cole Biography
A staunch advocate for the poor and for women, Rebecca J. Cole was the second female African-American doctor in the United States.
From Black History Month All-Stars
Caroline Still Anderson
Caroline Still Anderson opened a liberal arts school that was praised by W.E.B. DuBois, along with her other work for Philly's Black people.

Support Your Local Journalism. "With your help, we can be the antidote to the failures of big media, the bitterness of national politics, your post-election malaise and the confusion about what to do now" - Roxanne Patel Shepelavy, Executive Director, The Philadelphia Citizen. Button that says Give that leads to a donation page for end of year fundraising. Your gift will fund independent, local journalism and solutions for Philadelphia.

Be a Citizen Editor

Suggest a Story

Related Stories

Advertising Terms

We do not accept political ads, issue advocacy ads, ads containing expletives, ads featuring photos of children without documented right of use, ads paid for by PACs, and other content deemed to be partisan or misaligned with our mission. The Philadelphia Citizen is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and all affiliate content will be nonpartisan in nature. Advertisements are approved fully at The Citizen's discretion. Advertisements and sponsorships have different tax-deductible eligibility. For questions or clarification on these conditions, please contact Director of Sales & Philanthropy Kristin Long at [email protected] or call (609)-602-0145.