EASTON, Pa. — Easton City Council paid homage to three pivotal Black Eastonian first responders, commending their families for the work they had accomplished over the years during the city’s inaugural Juneteenth Recognition Award.
Sponsored by Councilmember Frank Pintabone and co-sponsored by Councilmember Jim Edinger, the awards were intended to “honor African Americans from Easton who have made a significant impact on the community.”
Wednesday’s honorees included a trio of first responders: Officer Andrew B. Theadford Sr., Easton Police Department's first Black police officer; Captain Stephen E. Henley Sr., Easton Police Department's first Black police leader who joined the ranks of detective, lieutenant an captain; and Captain Joseph W. Dorsey, Easton Fire Department's first Black firefighter.
Pintabone helmed the event by reading short biographies of the recipients before presenting family members of the late honorees with a certificate of appreciation.
Theadford, born on October 2, 1926, came to Easton in 1949 and married his wife Ida in 1957. The pair had four sons, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. Theadford served in the Army for two-and-a-half years during World War II, including a year in Germany, as well as serving as a corporal in the Korean War from 1951 to 1953.
“He was appointed as the first African American City of Easton patrolman on August 31, 1953 before retiring in 1973,” Pintabone said.
“After retirement, he worked as a court officer for the Northampton County Courthouse. He also owned and operated Canal Dismantling, a scrap business in Easton, PA. He was the founder of the Easton United Community Center and helped coach the Easton Bombers men’s softball team, which at one time was the Pennsylvania state champions. The team also competed in the Rock Island, Illinois, championship.”
Henley, born June 29, 1923, shared a family of seven children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren with his wife Jean Good.
He served in the Army in the Philippines during World War II and would go on to become the first African American officer to hold the ranks of detective and captain in the Easton Police Department. Furthermore, he was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police at VFW Post 1290.
“As a musician, he played the drums with the Easton Municipal Band, Brown & Lynch Band, Vincent Petinelli Orchestra, and also played with Count Basie Orchestra in USO Shows during the war," Pintabone said. "After retirement, he worked for the First Fidelity Bank and Third Street Alliance. He enjoyed holidays with his family at his home and gardening."
Dorsey graduated from Easton High School in 1945 before being drafted into the Air Force. Dorsey and his wife Joyce had seven children, 14 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
“He came to the Easton Fire Department on January 1, 1952. He retired in 1990. After 38 and a half years, he rose through the ranks to become captain,” Pintabone said.
During the year of his retirement, Dorsey was also recognized as the Fireman of the Year.
“Juneteenth wasn't even celebrated when he was alive, so this is fantastic that now they celebrate this, and he gets recognized. It's pretty cool.”Lisa Mann
Known amongst firefighters as “Cap,” Dorsey was a well-known performer, singing with Chansonnette Theatre, March of Dimes and Phillipsburg Opera Company, eventually earning another nickname: the "Singing Fireman."
Henley’s daughters, Lisa (Henley) Mann and Tiffaney Henley-Worthy said they were proud to see their father recognized for blazing a path focused on protecting the community.
“Juneteenth wasn't even celebrated when he was alive, so this is fantastic that now they celebrate this, and he gets recognized. It's pretty cool,” Mann said.
“He was everything, so it was nice to be honored here at the Neighborhood Center because we grew up on 532 Philadelphia Road. It kind of just brought back memories of living on South Side and honoring him,” Henley-Worthy said.
Pintabone said he was inspired to hold the event to shine a light on Black Eastonians who “made real big contributions to the city.”
“All three of them, I knew them very, very well. They were great people, very family-oriented men.”Ken Brown
“As this city grows, and the population grows, and more people outside come in, I think it's good to acknowledge and maintain our roots and recognize the people who have started things off for us here in the city,” Pintabone said.
Fellow council members shared their enthusiasm for the ceremony, thanking the families for attending and for the service provided to the community by the three first responders.
“All three of them, I knew them very, very well. They were great people, very family-oriented men,” Vice Mayor Ken Brown said, adding he appreciated Pintabone presenting the idea, and looked forward to expanding it in the years to come.
