Furr, Walter "Whitney"

Walter Whitney Furr was born on February 8, 1929, in Englewood, New Jersey, to Oliver and Clara Furr. He attended Dwight Morrow High School, graduating in 1948. That same year, in July, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served honorably until July 1952 and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 1954, Walter—known as “Whitney” to those closest to him—joined the Englewood Fire Department, becoming the first Black firefighter to join the department. He dedicated 30 years of distinguished service to the City of Englewood before retiring. Walter was deeply committed to civic life and fraternal service. He was a longtime member of Jephthah Lodge No. 89, Prince Hall Masons, in New York City, where he served as Past Master and as a member of the Board of Trustees. A 33rd Degree Mason, he was also affiliated with the King David Consistory and Medina Temple No. 19 Shrine. His patriotism was expressed through active involvement in American Legion Post 58 in Englewood, where he was a lifetime member and served as both Post Chaplain and Bergen County Chaplain.