They Call Me Trusty
A Black Firefighter’s Fight for Social Justice
- History & Biography
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- Publisher: Resource Publications (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2025
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Publisher's Description
They Call Me Trusty: A Black Firefighter's Fight for Social Justice is the compelling memoir of Dudley "Trusty" Bynoe, a San Jose firefighter who dedicated his career to challenging the institutional racism entrenched in the fire service. Faced with systemic barriers, Trusty took unorthodox actions to force fire chiefs to confront inequities--for Black firefighters, other firefighters of color, and women who served the city and the diverse communities that relied on them. In his own voice, Trusty shares the importance of strategy: having a plan, reading opponents, understanding their weaknesses, and fearlessly attacking injustice from multiple angles. He mastered the rules and laws, using them as weapons in the fight for equity. Though some saw him as an "angry Black man," he was, in truth, a relentless advocate for fairness. This memoir chronicles Trusty's victories and sacrifices and reveals his deep disappointments, particularly the lack of generational reciprocity from Black firefighters who benefited from his work. His story is one of resilience, defiance, and an unyielding commitment to justice, offering an unfiltered look at the cost of change and the legacy of a man who refused to back down.
Endorsements (6)
“The courage and character of Trusty was second to none. He was a dedicated Black firefighter who worked tirelessly over many years to better Black representation in this nation’s fire service. This book is a testament to his beliefs and struggles. It also identifies several of the problems he—along with many others—faced in the fire service across this country. I proudly give my support to what has been written.”
“There were several individuals and groups who started protesting, talking, having meetings, and using the media to confront race issues, hiring minorities, discrimination, favoritism, and bias in Santa Clara County, California, civil service jobs. The person who stood out the most regarding the fire service was Dudley Bynoe. He was driven with passion, a fierce competitor, and persisted in the face of resistance. His leadership, determination, negotiating skills, and selflessness were the foundation for starting the Santa Clara County Black Firefighters Association. People of color received the benefits of Bynoe’s support and sacrifice. He was the main ingredient that desegregated the fire service in Santa Clara County. I became a better person by knowing and working with him.”
“I am honored to endorse They Call Me Trusty by Dudley Bynoe. I knew Trusty for over forty-five years and worked with him for five years at San Jose Fire Department Station 16. Our time together was one of personal enlightenment and respect for what I witnessed in his life, both within and outside the fire service—a man of great conviction, honor, pride, love, and resiliency. Truly, Trusty Bynoe was a unique spirit who broke down divisive barriers and touched many lives! He became a good friend during our active fire service career and into our retirement years. Our most cherished time was having lunch and playing golf regularly. I considered him a true friend and mentor who would spend hours sharing his ‘Bynoeisms’ on life. His memoir is a powerful tribute to his convictions, courage, and stories that needed to be told. May he rest in peace and may his memories and warrior spirit be fondly remembered.”
“Trusty Bynoe’s autobiography is a profound and necessary reflection on courage, conviction, and legacy. His journey during times of civil unrest and institutional resistance to change laid the foundation for young Black firefighters, like myself, to walk with pride and purpose. Trusty’s tireless work in the fight for social justice, both within and beyond the fire service, speaks to a life lived in servitude of others and driven by unshakable values. I am deeply grateful for the example he set, the barriers he broke, and the personal mentorship and friendship we’ve shared. His story is not just history—it’s a guidepost for the future.”
“With fires burning inside and outside the Fire Service, Dudley Bynoe demonstrated how he was capable of fighting both. Growing up during a time when the odds were stacked against the Black race, Trusty tells you how he beat the system his way. There is a time when it is necessary to scream at the top of your lungs, and Trusty did this for the benefit of the men and women of San Jose Fire Service and the Fire Service as a whole.”
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