HOUSTON — Milton C. Alford, the first Black firefighter in the history of the Houston Fire Department, died Tuesday at the age of 97, according to the City of Houston. Alford’s groundbreaking appointment in 1955 marked a pivotal moment in the city’s civil rights and public service history.

Alford was hired on March 4, 1955, during the administration of Mayor Roy Hofheinz, and went on to serve the City of Houston for nearly 27 years. He retired as an inspector after a long career that began alongside nine other Black firefighters under then-Fire Chief Joseph W. Lobue.

“I ask Houstonians to join me in honoring Mr. Alford’s life and legacy,” said Mayor John Whitmire. “He was a trailblazer who broke barriers and paved the way for generations of firefighters. His journey required sacrifice, courage, and commitment. As a public servant, he represented the best of our city.”

Alford’s legacy has been hailed not only for his service but for the doors he opened for future generations. Houston Fire Chief Thomas Muñoz likened Alford’s impact to other iconic figures in the city’s history. 

“Inspector Alford represents something much larger than the hardworking firefighter he was,” Muñoz said. “Like Mayor Lee P. Brown, Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, and Reverend Jack Yates, Inspector Alford is embedded into the history of the city of Houston and will be remembered for his commitment to public service.”

District Chief Greg Politte, president of the Houston Black Firefighters Association, also paid tribute to Alford’s enduring influence. 

“We are not only honoring a man, but a movement and a moment that cracked the door open so that generations could walk through it, not just with pride, but with purpose,” Politte said.

A documentary about Alford’s life and the legacy of Black firefighters in Houston was recently screened at Rice University. Funeral arrangements are currently pending.