The Sable Flames began as a result of great tragedy. On March, 13, 1990, a fire in Sommerset Circle (located within the Town of Madison) claimed the lives of Mrs. Cheryl Jones’ five children: Derrick Robinson (age 9), Kenneth Jones (age 5), Eboni Jones (age 2), Cynthia Jones (age 1), and Mark Jones (age 5 months). Events surrounding the fire divided families, communities, and department personnel.

The African American firefighters of the City of Madison decided to act.  A benefit was created to provide scholarships to ethnic minorities. The “Second Alarm Benefit Dance” was born.  Usually in the month of February, the Sable Flames host a benefit dance at a local Madison hotel.  All the proceeds from this event go directly to the Jones-Robinson Scholarship in the names of the children that passed away that March night in 1990. This scholarship benefit not only helps individual fulfill their educational goals, it helps bring the community together in a positive atmosphere.

In addition to providing scholarships, the Sable Flames also exist to help each other.  The mission of the organization is to provide support, knowledge and leadership to its members as well as all members of the fire service. The organization recognizes the importance of hiring, recruitment, promotion and retention of African Americans and other persons of color.

The Sable Flames Inc., conducts community service activities and assists other individuals and organizations that do the same. The Sable Flames Inc., is a non-profit, tax exempt organization and contributions are tax-deductible.