DENVER — A fire station in the Five Points neighborhood that had an all-black crew until 1957, when the city desegregated the department, has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.

The Denver Fire Department held a recognition celebration Thursday at the station. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, Fire Chief Desmond G. Fulton and members of the community were in attendance.

“I think there’s no better testament to the leadership of the black community in this neighborhood, to the history of Denver and the history of firefighters who gave their all for a city, even when that city didn’t did not fully see them, did not recognize them and did not empower them to act,” said Mayor Johnston.

Fire Station No. 3also known by its motto “Pride of the Points”, has been owned by the Denver Fire Department since 1931 and is the city’s oldest continuously operating fire station.

The station, located at 2500 N. Washington St., is recognized for the all-black fire crews that served the neighborhood while opposing segregationist policies from 1931 to 1957.

History of Coloradoa nonprofit organization that operates 11 museums and historic sites, said the historic designation goes far beyond the building itself. This is to honor the men who served Five Points during a time of redlining and discrimination.

Historians say the fire station was a safe and reliable place in the community, where firefighters helped people fix their cars, gave them haircuts and taught children how to ride bikes.

“I think these are the kinds of American stories that we really need to preserve,” said Dawn DiPrince, president and CEO of History Colorado and the state’s historic preservation officer.

The original Station No. 3 was built across the street in 1888. In 1893, the first black fire crew was established. Then, in 1897, Silas Johnson became the first black captain. This promotion defined the station as an all-black fire station.

The firehouse was an opportunity for black men to pursue civil service employment, but they were not allowed to serve at other stations until they were integrated in 1957. This limited their options for promotions and career development.

Despite such dangerous work, the firefighters of Station No. 3 were often provided with some of the oldest equipment in the department. A former firefighter told History Colorado stories of entering burning homes without life-saving equipment like air respirators.

“The sheer danger of what that looks like — and he talks about rushing into the fire and doing everything he can before he runs out of steam,” DiPrince said.

In 1970, the city wanted to decommission the station, but the community fought to protect it. It is still used today.

Listing on the National Register allows the building to access the State Historic Fund and other preservation funds to assist with building maintenance and programs.