Phoenix of the Detroit Fire Department

09/05/2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of retired FEO Raymond Richardson .

It is especially difficult knowing that we were just together with Ray on the last Thursday in August at the Axemen Club, sharing time, laughter, and fellowship.

Please keep Ray’s family, friends, fire family, motorcycle community, and his Axemen brothers and sisters lifted in prayer during this difficult time.

Funeral arrangements will be shared once they are received.

Rest well, Ray. You will be deeply missed.

09/02/2026

09/02/2026

Today’s Phoenix Retiree Breakfast was more than a meal, it was a reunion, a homecoming, and a reminder of who we are to one another. Faces we haven’t seen in years walked through the door, stories picked up where they left off, laughter filled the room, and the brotherhood and sisterhood of the fire service came alive all over again.

This is what family looks like. This is what legacy feels like.

Black firefighters matter, not only for the years they served, but for the history they carry, the doors they opened, and the bonds that never retire.

A very special thank you to the crew of Engine 40 and Ladder 17 for hosting us again this year. You all were absolutely amazing, and the love, hospitality, and effort you poured into today did not go unnoticed.

The uniforms may be hung up, but the connection remains. Once fire family, always fire family. ❤️🔥

08/29/2026

Detroit firefighters at Eng 40/ Lad 17 & the Phoenix of the Detroit Fire Department of course taking care of the community at the Back 2 School Bash.
WE MATTER🔥💪🏾

08/29/2026

🎒🔥 IT’S GOING DOWN TODAY! 🔥🎒

The guys are getting ready, setup is underway, and today we celebrate the 25th Annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway!

Bring the family out for backpacks, school supplies, bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, mechanical bull, plenty of fun, and a chance to spend the day with your Detroit firefighter family as we pour back into the community we serve.

For 25 years, this has been about more than backpacks, it’s about supporting our children, encouraging our families, and reminding our community that we’re in this together.

Come on out, bring the kids, and make some memories with us. And somebody better hold on tight to that mechanical bull! 😂🐂🔥

Serving beyond the firehouse. Building community one family at a time.

08/27/2026

🎸 🎷🥁
Detroit, the Axemen Band is bringing **LIVE MUSIC** to the stage!

The **Axemen Band** delivers a crowd-pleasing mix of **Rock • Blues • Jazz • R&B**, featuring classic favorites, great musicianship and the energy that makes live music special. Food Available.

🔥 **Catch us LIVE at the Axemen Clubhouse EVERY LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH!** 8480 South St. Detroit, MI 48209

We're also available for:
🎵 Private & Special Events
🎵 Festivals & Community Events
🎵 Corporate Events
🎵 Clubs & Live Music Venues

Follow the **Axemen Band** page for upcoming shows, live videos, photos, special announcements and more.

🎸 **Great Music. Great Times. Live Music.**

**AXEMEN BAND — DETROIT**

08/26/2026

WELCOME THIS PRETTY BLACK GIRL!
🎶 Have you seen her? Tell me, have you seen her? 🎶 👀🔥🚒
Because The Phoenix has been watching Timina Simmons WORK!

We first met Timina Simmons a few years ago when she performed as part of an African dance troupe at The Phoenix’s Black-Tie Affair at the Detroit Yacht Club. Then she showed up again at President Singleton’s 60th Birthday and Retirement Celebration as part of the African dance troupe. And wouldn’t you know it, she doubled back once more during Black History Month in February 2025, performing at an event where President Singleton was the featured speaker.

And she’s been holding on to President Singleton’s pants leg ever since! 😂

But somewhere between all that dancing, Timina had another dream: she wanted to become a firefighter.

That dream brought her through The Phoenix Cadet Program, where she continued preparing, training, and pushing toward the fire service.

And when we say she wanted it… BABY, SHE WANTED IT. 😂🔥

Most people take the CPAT and hope to be one and done. Timina said, “Nah, I’m gonna get my money’s worth.” 😂 She took that CPAT 30 TIMES! Yes, THIRTY. At some point, we think the CPAT knew her by name. 🤣
(SIDE JOKE)

But here’s the part that matters: she never quit.

She kept showing up. She kept pushing. She kept believing. And eventually, she PASSED.

Today, Timina Simmons is one of Detroit’s newest fire academy recruits and is currently gaining real world experience on her EMS ride-alongs.

From African dancer, to Phoenix cadet, to firefighter cadet… now THAT is a plot twist we love! 🔥

Timina, The Phoenix is SO proud of you. Your persistence is a whole testimony. Your journey reminds us that sometimes the road to the dream isn’t straight, easy, or quick but if you want it badly enough, you KEEP GOING.

Watch out, Detroit. This young lady is ON FIRE. And yes… she’s a BADASS. 🔥🚒💪🏾

08/24/2026

A special thank you to photographer Nicholas Relich for beautifully capturing the unveiling of the permanent memorial plaque honoring Sgt. Sivad Johnson at Belle Isle.

Nicholas has graciously given The Phoenix permission to share the link to his photographs from the ceremony. His work has captured so many meaningful moments throughout the Detroit Fire Department, and we appreciate his continued commitment to preserving our history through his lens.

We invite you to view this beautiful collection and once again reflect on the service, sacrifice, and lasting legacy of Sgt. Sivad Johnson.

Photography by Nicholas Relich. Please be sure to give him proper credit when sharing his work. 📸❤️🚒

Welcome to the website of Nicholas K. Relich. Here you will see my many photographs ranging from Firefighting to Different events. Feel free to help support my photography by scanning the qr code below.

08/24/2026

Today, The Phoenix of the Detroit Fire Department was honored to join the Detroit Fire Department, city leaders, family, friends, and fellow firefighters at Belle Isle for the unveiling of a permanent memorial plaque honoring Sgt. Sivad Johnson.

Six years ago, while off duty at Belle Isle with his daughter, Sgt. Johnson heard cries for help from young girls struggling in the Detroit River. Without hesitation, he went into the water to help save them. The girls survived. Sgt. Johnson made the ultimate sacrifice.

Today, at the very place where that act of courage occurred, his name and his legacy were permanently placed for generations to see.

Sgt. Johnson gave 26 years of service to the Detroit Fire Department, but his impact reaches far beyond the years he wore the uniform. His courage, compassion, and commitment to others continue to speak for him.

The Phoenix is proud to help keep his legacy alive through the Sivad Johnson Scholarship Award, presented in his honor to encourage and invest in those coming behind us.

A plaque now stands at Belle Isle, but the true memorial to Sgt. Sivad Johnson lives in the lives he touched, the people who remember him, and the legacy of service that continues in his name.

We remember. We honor. We carry his name forward. ❤️🖤🚒