Baltimore Fire Station Renamed to Honor Pioneering Black Firefighter

BALTIMORE — The Baltimore City Fire Department has officially renamed Engine Company 52, located on Woodbrook Avenue, in honor of Hilton L. Roberts Sr., a groundbreaking Black firefighter who joined the department in 1954.

The renaming ceremony took place in late September, attended by Roberts’ family, including his children, as well as Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Fire Chief Niles R. Ford, City Council President Nick Mosby, City Council Vice President Sharon Green-Middleton, and 7th District Councilman James Torrence.

This event marks the fourth firehouse in the city to be named after Black firefighters, reflecting the ongoing recognition of their contributions to the community and the department.

Previously, the Arthur “Smokestack” Hardy Fire Station was dedicated in 2004, honoring Hardy, who played a significant role in forming an auxiliary fire department for Black men in 1942. In 2005, Engine Company 36 was renamed for Charles R. Thomas Sr., another member of the 1954 class, and a year later, Engine Company 29 honored Littleton B. Wyatt Sr., a Morgan State College graduate.

Born in 1925 in Baltimore, Roberts grew up in the Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood. He graduated from Frederick Douglass High School and enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 during World War II, where he rose to the rank of petty officer despite the challenges of segregation.

After his military service, Roberts pursued his dream of becoming a firefighter, a goal complicated by the segregationist policies of the Baltimore Fire Department. It wasn’t until 1953 that the department began admitting Black applicants for training, a significant policy change influenced by groups like the Urban League.

Roberts was part of the second class to graduate in 1954, alongside Herman Williams Jr., who would later become the city’s first Black fire chief. Despite facing racism and discrimination within the department, Roberts excelled, receiving an award for heroism in 1959.

Roberts retired in 1974 due to an on-duty injury and passed away in 1980. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of firefighters.

Reported by HarborBeat based on FireRescue1 (source).