Joseph M. Perkins, Sr. (October 9, 1936- February 14, 2017) Perkins joined the Richmond Fire Department on May 29, 1960, when the department was segregated. Like all black firefighters, he was assigned to Firehouse #2. Integration and collective bargaining came in the mid-1960s. Joe became an engineer in 1969, lieutenant-captain in 1971 and a battalion chief in 1982. He retired after 38 years of service.