Manasa Mauler an honorary C fireman after visit

A badge was given to Central City Fire Chief Linold Begg, who later presented it to Jack Dempsey,
making him an honorary fireman after the fighter visited the city in 1940.

Colorado Native William Harrison “Jack” Dempsey rose to become a global boxing star a century ago
and developed an interesting tie with Central City. Born in Manassa (south of Alamosa in the San Luis
Valley), he was nicknamed Kid Blackie and the Manassa Mauler. He competed from 1914 to 1927 and

was the world heavyweight champion from 1919 to 1926.
Dempsey is ranked No. 6 on The Ring magazine’s list of
all-time heavyweights and is fourth among its Top 100
Greatest Punchers, and in 1950 the Associated Press
voted him the greatest fighter of the past 50 years.