Captain Richard Etheridge

Captain Etheridge born on january 16 1842. Richard was the first african-american to command a life-saving station . Not only was he the keeper, his station was the first all black crew . Born on January 16 1842 in Roanoke island etheridge was born a slave. By the time he was young adult the union army had freed slaves on the island .shortly after he decided to join the war eort.He joined in the second North Carolina colored volunteers and was appointed as one of the sergeants. Three years later the war ended he went back to his hometown. Ten years later etheridge returned to a life of service and became a surfmen in a USLSS station. He was assigned to the Bodie island station he worked with a crew of six which were made up of both black and white surfmen. He had the lowest rank in the station but with determination he gained a reputation as an outstanding surfmen. The USLSS wanted new leaders due to a number of failed rescue attempts and corruptions in stations etheridges inspector was impressed with his determination . The inspector wrote a letter to the superintendent recommending that etheridge should be keeper. When Etheridge was promoted four white surfmen quit leaving the crew to be an all African American crew. He continued the job until his death on May 8 1900.

I chose to honor Captain Etheridge because it didn't matter to him if he lost members of his crew. He wanted to help others and I strive to do the same. His story shows how perseverance and determination can go a long way .

Tyaisha Molano