San Diego's Pioneering Black Deputy Fire Chief Dies at 100

Alwin 'Ben' Holman broke the color barrier in 1951 and paved the way for generations of firefighters.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:09pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a firefighter's helmet repeated in a grid pattern, conceptually representing the groundbreaking career of San Diego's first Black firefighter.A vibrant visual tribute to the pioneering legacy of San Diego's first Black firefighter, whose trailblazing career paved the way for greater diversity and inclusion in the fire department.San Diego Today

Alwin Benjamin Holman, San Diego's first Black firefighter to work outside the segregated Mountain View neighborhood, has died at the age of 100. Holman joined the fire department in 1951 and faced resistance from some firefighters, but was ultimately accepted by his colleagues. He went on to become the city's first Black deputy fire chief before retiring in 1983 after a distinguished career spanning over three decades.

Why it matters

Holman's trailblazing career as San Diego's first Black firefighter to work in integrated stations was a pivotal moment in the city's history, helping to break down racial barriers in the fire department and paving the way for greater diversity and inclusion. His story serves as an important reminder of the progress made in the fight for civil rights and equal opportunity.

The details

In 1951, Holman became the first Black firefighter in San Diego to be stationed outside the segregated Mountain View neighborhood, joining the all-White Station 14. Though there was some internal pushback, the fire chief insisted on the integration, and Holman was ultimately accepted by his fellow firefighters. Over the course of his 32-year career, Holman rose through the ranks to become San Diego's first Black deputy fire chief, setting an example of professionalism and integrity.

  • Holman joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 and was stationed in San Diego the following year.
  • Holman joined the San Diego Fire Department in 1951, becoming the city's first Black firefighter to work outside the segregated Mountain View neighborhood.
  • Holman retired from the San Diego Fire Department in 1983 after a distinguished 32-year career.
  • Holman celebrated his 100th birthday in 2025 and was honored by the city he served for so long.
  • Holman passed away in April 2026.

The players

Alwin 'Ben' Holman

San Diego's first Black firefighter to work outside the segregated Mountain View 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.

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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. 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.”

— Brothers United, Nonprofit organization for Black firefighters

“Well, I knew then that if I did not survive, then it would be a long time before the Black firefighters would be accepted.”

— Alwin 'Ben' Holman

“I was accepted by most firefighters, Black, White, green or whatever.”

— Alwin 'Ben' Holman

The takeaway

Holman's pioneering career as San Diego's first Black firefighter to work in integrated stations serves as an inspiring example of courage, perseverance, and the power of breaking down racial barriers. His legacy continues to inspire the fire department and the broader community to uphold the values of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity.