{"id":475667,"date":"2025-12-27T20:48:14","date_gmt":"2025-12-27T20:48:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/475667\/"},"modified":"2025-12-27T20:48:14","modified_gmt":"2025-12-27T20:48:14","slug":"color-barrier-breaking-firefighter-alwin-holman-honored-with-proclamation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/475667\/","title":{"rendered":"Color barrier-breaking firefighter Alwin Holman honored with proclamation"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"San<\/a>City Hall in downtown San Diego. (FILE photo by Alexander Nguyen\/Times of San Diego)<\/p>\n

For decades of service to the city of San Diego and breaking a major color barrier, city leaders proclaimed Friday Alwin Benjamin Holman Day in honor of the ex-firefighter on his 100th birthday.<\/p>\n

Holman was the first Black San Diego firefighter to serve in a station other than Fire Station 19 in the historically Black Southcrest neighborhood. As a rookie in November 1951, he was assigned to Fire Station 14 in North Park<\/a>. Holman served with the SDFD for 32 years, ultimately becoming the city\u2019s first Black Deputy fire chief.<\/p>\n

Holman was born in Alton, Illinois, \u201cwhere segregation sought to define opportunity, yet through the strength and wisdom of his mother, he was raised to rise above discrimination and live with dignity, confidence and purpose,\u201d the city\u2019s proclamation reads.<\/p>\n

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 and was stationed in San Diego the next year, where he would call home for the next 80 years. Following World War II, Holman then joined the United States Postal Service before his career in the fire department.<\/p>\n

\n

The City of San Diego proudly declares December 26, 2025, as Alwin Benjamin Holman Day. It is also his 100th birthday! \ud83c\udf89<\/p>\n

In 1951, Mr. Holman joined the San Diego Fire Department and helped integrate it. He went on to become one of the first Black Battalion Fire Chiefs in CA. pic.twitter.com\/2Hba9yksXn<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 City of San Diego (@CityofSanDiego) December 26, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cOne day the chief pulled me aside and told me they wanted me to train at Station 14 on 32nd and Lincoln,\u201d Holman told The San Diego Voice and Viewpoint last year. \u201cThe chief told me that I was going to be his Jackie Robinson of the Fire Department and that I would be one of the first Black Firemen to serve outside of Station 19.\u201d<\/p>\n

When he broke that color barrier by being sent to an all-white fire station, the city\u2019s fire department soon saw more Black firefighters stationed outside of Southcrest. He retired in 1983.<\/p>\n

\u201cThroughout his distinguished \u2026 career, Mr. Holman exemplified professionalism and integrity,\u201d the proclamation read. \u201cHe served all people equally, without regarding race or background, and demonstrated through his actions that compassion, service, and courage transcend division.\u201d<\/p>\n

Holman was thanked for his service in person at a City Council meeting last week.<\/p>\n

\u201cI loved the job so much,\u201d he said at City Hall.<\/p>\n

\u2014 City News Service<\/p>\n

READ NEXT\n\t<\/p>\n