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INDIANAPOLIS,Ind. (July 18, 2015)–Retired Indianapolis Fire Department Chief Joseph D. Kimbrew, Sr. 86, Indianapolis, passed away July 16th.  Kimbrew was a 37 year veteran of the department before his retirement in 1992.

In 1987 Kimbrew was appointed IFD Chief, the first African American firefighter to hold the departments highest rank.

In 1968 he was the first firefighter to earn the “Firefighter of the Year” award.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Stuart Mortuary Chapel at 2201 North Illinois Street.  On Friday, July 24, viewing will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed by a 1:00 p.m. Celebration of Life Service at New Wineskins Ministries, 4501 West 38th Street.

Internment will be at Crown Hill Cemetery.