Minneapolis firefighters form first all-Native American crew

Minneapolis Fire Station 6 has established the city’s first all-Native American firefighting crew, consisting of Johnny Crow, Bobby Headbird, Capt. Michael Graves, and Jesse Strong. Their initiative aims to inspire Indigenous youth and foster community trust in the fire department. Capt. Graves highlighted the crew’s role as visible role models for Native kids, emphasizing the need for representation in public service.

The firefighters have actively engaged in community events, particularly in neighborhoods with high Native American populations, receiving a warm reception. Strong reflected on their shared backgrounds, noting the importance of steering youth away from the struggles they faced growing up. Crow discussed the emotional challenges of responding to calls within their own community, acknowledging the toll it can take. However, he finds fulfillment in inspiring young people to pursue careers in emergency services. Their collective efforts have already sparked interest among teenagers about becoming first responders.