Robert B. Howard, Jr., African-American pioneer in Buffalo Fire Dept.

H o w a rd

Robert B. Howard, Jr., 91, of Williamsville, the first African-American firefighter, lieutenant, captain, and commissioner for the Buffalo Fire Department, died Thursday, April 12, 2007, in the Center for Hospice & Palliative Care in Cheektowaga.

Born in Barnesville, Ga., his family moved to Chattanooga, Tenn. when he was one-year old then relocated to the Town of Tonawanda when he was six.

Mr. Howard attended Hardin Elementary School in the Town of Tonawanda and graduated from Kenmore High School in 1934. He attended Buffalo Collegiate Center for two years.

Mr. Howard worked on a cruise ship, the Juniata, as a bellhop during the summer of 1935 while he was still attending the Collegiate Center. He also worked as a receiving clerk at the Buffalo Artistic Upholstering Co. for a year and at Semet Solvay Co. from 1937 to 1943.

Mr. Howard attempted to enter the police academy but turned his attention to the Buffalo Fire Department. On June 16, 1943, he became the first African-American appointed to the Buffalo Fire Department and was assigned to Truck 3, then located at 308 Spring St.

During his long, distinguished career in the Buffalo Fire Department, Mr. Howard received numerous promotions that resulted in increasing responsibility. In 1951, he was promoted to junior captain, now known as lieutenant, and remained at Truck 3.

In 1960, Mr. Howard was promoted to captain and reassigned to Engine 26 at Tonawanda Street and Progressive Avenue. On Jan. 1, 1966, he again made history when he was appointed fire commissioner by Mayor Frank Sedita.

Mr. Howard retired in 1973 after 30 years of service but continued to be involved in organizations involving firefighters.

Mr. Howard was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Fire Protection Association in 1972 and a year later joined the staff of that organization as chief fire service specialist. He was named field service representative of the NFPA in 1974.

Mr. Howard is an honorary life member of several volunteer fire companies in New York State and a life member of Erie County New York Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid Association. His other memberships included the New York State Fire Chiefs Association, Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts, Advisory Committee New York State Civil Service Commission and Board of Directors of the Salvation Army of Boston.

Mr. Howard held a board membership and was the chairman of the Public Relations Committee of the Buffalo Fire Department Officers Association. He was also the secretary and member of the board of the Metropolitan Committee of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, a member of the Joint Council of National Fire Service Organizations, and a member of the Fire Officers Qualifications Standards Committee.

In addition, Mr. Howard served on the Canisius College Board of Regents, Emergency Hospital Board of Governors, Western New York Burn Treatment Center, National Conference of Christians and Jews (Buffalo affiliate), Salvation Army Board, Buffalo Goodwill Industries, Comprehensive Health Planning Council, Western New York Task Force Committee for Child Abuse, Columban Retreat League, Downtown First Friday Club, Buffalo Yacht Club (honorary member), Our Lady of Charity Refuge Home, Brothers of Mercy Sacred Heart Home, Chamber of Commerce Buffalo Unlimited Committee, Diocesan Lay Advisory Committee, Niagara Frontier Council of Boy Scouts of America and the Rotary Club of Buffalo.

He also was a member of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Council No. 184 Knights of Columbus, 4th degree and the Diocesan Pastoral Council.

His wife of 60 years, the former Irene Battle, died in 1998.

Mr. Howard is survived by a daughter, Jean M. Holland of Williamsville; a brother, Dr. Keith L. of Olean; and two grandchildren.

Prayers were offered Monday, April 16 in Amigone Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Gregory the Great Church.