Warren's first African American firefighter was celebrated Friday at Warren's Central Station, with a plaque presented to commemorate the milestone.

Robert Saffold, 90, began his career as a firefighter in 1961 in Warren. Saffold would also visit students at area schools each year during Fire Prevention Week.

Saffold looks back now, stating that it was "the best job in the world."

"The unsung heroes, I guess I was one of those," Saffold said. "But the singing is here now."

The former firefighter said that although the initial pushback that came with becoming the first African American firefighter was present from some colleagues, the positive experiences outweighed the bad.

Saffold said that after a probationary period during the start of his career, he was required to go to City Hall to speak regarding joining the fire department. While there, he says that some said the only reason for not wanting him to be in the department was the color of his skin. 

"They didn't want him to sleep in their beds. He had to have his own separate bed. They wouldn't use the same utensils as my dad," Cheryl Saffold, Robert's daughter, said. "So there was some opposition, but there were also firefighters who loved on my dad."

Robert credited his ability to be "a fighter," as well as an active member of the community and a familiar face, with giving him the strength to continue his original efforts amid initial hurdles at the department. 

Robert also served in the United States Marine Corps and trained over 300 local young men as Golden Gloves boxers, including Earnie Shavers, who fought Muhammad Ali for the heavyweight championship in 1977.

1st Ward Councilman Todd Johnson presented Robert with a plaque for his contributions to the area.

The event's reception was followed by a Black History Month exhibit sponsored by the Community Concerned Citizens II at the Monument Church of God in Christ.