John Cheatham: One of Minneapolis’ First African-American Firefighters

John Cheatham was one of the first African-American firefighters in Minneapolis.

Cheatham had a distinguished career within the department, holding several positions and receiving numerous promotions.

Cheatham was one of 37 men appointed to the Minneapolis Fire Department.

It is believed that Cheatham could have actually been the first Black Minneapolis firefighter; however, the records from that time are not clear.

In 1907, Cheatham and two other African-American firefighters, Lafayette Mason and Frank Harris, were placed in charge of the Minnehaha Fire Station located at the intersection of 45th Street and Hiawatha Avenue.