RENOWNED HERO, CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST, & RESPECTED FIREFIGHTER: Dr. Franklyn V. Beckles, Jr., who is a Church Pastor, School Principal/Teacher, Civil Rights Leader, Famous Book Author, and a Volunteer Firefighter. In 2011, he made history as the first African-American Fire Captain of the Clearwater Fire Department, and these Promotions came from Dr. Beckles 16 years as a dedicated firefighter, who risked his life to help protect citizens in his community. Famous Book Author & Community Leader Dr. Franklyn V. Beckles, Jr., organized the first historic Civil Rights Crusade against Racial Injustice and Bullying in Richmond County Schools in the history of the state of Georgia!