arnett hartsfield, jr. (died november 1, 2014 at age 95) was the co-founder of the stentorians organization. he served as an army lieutenant during wwii in a segregated unit. he became a firefighter and later an instructor. hartsfield was appointed to the lafd in 1940 and retired after 20 years working at old station 30 in south los angeles. while firefighting, he used the gi bill to return to school and attended both ucla and usc, earning a law degree in 1955. he retired in 1961 from the lafd to practice law full-time. he fought to integrate the lafd. he also served as the historian at the african american firefighter museum's fire station no. 30, engine company no. 30, where he spent 10 hours a week volunteering. his was the generation of black "firsts", many of whom are remembered for the integration fights that led the full appearance of the civil rights movement in america. he was later appointed civil service commissioner by mayor tom bradley and served as "fire chief for a day", achieving the chance at promotion he felt he was unfairly denied while a firefighter.