San Diego's First Black Firefighter Dies at 100

Alwin Benjamin Holman broke color barriers and served with distinction for decades.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:41am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in soft pools of warm color and light, depicting the blurred outline of a firefighter's uniform and helmet, conveying a sense of reverence and nostalgia for a trailblazing career.The legacy of San Diego's pioneering Black firefighter lives on through the respect, dignity, and hope he instilled in generations of public servants.San Diego Today

Alwin Benjamin Holman, San Diego's first Black firefighter, has passed away just months after celebrating his 100th birthday. Holman joined the San Diego Fire Department in 1951 and rose through the ranks to become the city's first Black deputy fire chief, paving the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the department.

Why it matters

Holman's trailblazing career as San Diego's first Black firefighter was a landmark achievement that helped break down racial barriers in the city's public services. His long tenure and distinguished service set an important precedent for greater representation and opportunity for people of color in the fire department and other municipal institutions.

The details

Born in Illinois, Holman came to San Diego through the Navy and joined the fire department in 1951. Over the course of his career, he rose through the ranks to become the first Black firefighter in San Diego to be named deputy chief. Holman was remembered by the San Diego City Fire Fighters Union as a 'trailblazer, a mentor, and a man whose life changed the course of our fire department forever'.

  • Holman joined the San Diego Fire Department in 1951.
  • Holman was named the first Black deputy fire chief in San Diego.
  • Holman celebrated his 100th birthday just months before his passing in 2026.

The players

Alwin Benjamin Holman

San Diego's first Black firefighter who broke color barriers and served with distinction for decades, rising to the rank of deputy fire chief.

San Diego City Fire Fighters Union

The union that honored Holman's legacy as a 'trailblazer' and 'extraordinary human being' whose impact 'created the foundation on which all of us stand today'.

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What they’re saying

“Benny was more than a colleague; he was a trailblazer, a mentor, and a man whose life changed the course of our fire department forever. Benny was our Jackie Robinson. He was the first to break the color barrier in our department when he was assigned to Station 14. That was not just a station transfer, it was a statement.”

— San Diego City Fire Fighters Union

“Benny did it with grace, dignity, and courage, facing challenges that many of us cannot imagine. His actions didn't just pave the way for others; they created the foundation on which all of us stand today.”

— San Diego City Fire Fighters Union

“Benny was a great firefighter, a great deputy chief, and an extraordinary human being. His legacy is not just in the ranks he held or the firehouse he served it's in the respect, dignity, and hope he instilled in all of us. Because of him, we can dream bigger, serve better, and honor the values of courage, brotherhood, and service.”

— San Diego City Fire Fighters Union

The takeaway

Holman's pioneering career as San Diego's first Black firefighter and deputy chief serves as an inspiring example of how one person's courage and dedication can pave the way for greater diversity, inclusion, and opportunity in public service institutions. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of firefighters and public servants.