San Diego's First Black Firefighter Outside Southcrest Neighborhood Dies at 100

Alwin Benjamin Holman broke color barrier, became city's first Black deputy fire chief

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:26pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph showing the blurred outline of a firefighter's uniform and helmet in the foreground, with a firetruck and city buildings visible in the background, all captured in a warm, hazy color palette that evokes a sense of nostalgia and reverence.The legacy of San Diego's pioneering Black firefighter Alwin Benjamin Holman lives on through the diverse, inclusive fire department he helped build.San Diego Today

Alwin Benjamin Holman, the first Black firefighter in San Diego to serve in a station outside the historically Black Southcrest neighborhood, has died at the age of 100. Holman joined the San Diego Fire Department in 1951 and went on to become the city's first Black deputy fire chief, paving the way for greater diversity in the department.

Why it matters

Holman's trailblazing career as the first Black firefighter assigned to a station outside of the segregated Southcrest neighborhood was a landmark moment that helped break down racial barriers in the San Diego Fire Department and public service. His legacy as a mentor and role model for future generations of firefighters is being celebrated.

The details

In November 1951, Holman was assigned as a rookie firefighter to Fire Station 14 in North Park, becoming the first person of color to serve in a station outside of Fire Station 19 in the Southcrest neighborhood. Holman went on to serve with the SDFD for 32 years, ultimately becoming the city's first Black deputy fire chief.

  • Holman joined the San Diego Fire Department in 1951.
  • Holman became the city's first Black deputy fire chief.
  • Holman retired from the SDFD in 1983 after 32 years of service.
  • Holman celebrated his 100th birthday in 2026 before passing away later that year.

The players

Alwin Benjamin Holman

The first Black firefighter in San Diego to serve in a station outside the historically Black Southcrest neighborhood, and the city's first Black deputy fire chief.

Brothers United

A nonprofit organization for Black firefighters that paid tribute to Holman's trailblazing career and legacy.

San Diego City Firefighters Local 145

The labor union that announced Holman's passing.

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What they’re saying

“I loved the job so much.”

— Alwin Benjamin Holman

The takeaway

Alwin Benjamin Holman's pioneering career as San Diego's first Black firefighter outside the segregated Southcrest neighborhood paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the city's fire department. His trailblazing spirit and commitment to service continue to inspire firefighters and public servants today.