Friday, February 4, 2022
It is difficult to say "goodbye" to a friend, fellow firefighter and Sigma Brother. I had the pleasure of serving as Chief Williams' aide when he became Chief of the Fire Department. We had many fond moments discussing service to the city, changes he wanted to make for the common good and just life in general. I stayed with him until he asked me to take an assignment as fire academy director at Walbrook High School with the idea to encourage and recruit more young persons into Fire Service. His program won several national and international awards including lunch at the White House. He cared about young people and although he tried to portray such a tough exterior, he had a soft heart of gold. Both he and his wonderful wife were often quietly involved in helping young people, not for reward but for the satisfaction of helping others. I had the pleasure of visiting with him a little before he left us and he was positive, upbeat and we talked about the "old days" of him playing jazz music, playing his golf, and our days working together in the Fire Department. Now he is with his best friend, Mrs. M forever.
Thanks for the memories. Thanks for the friendship and the thanks for all the lessons you taught me.
Donald P Reed
Baltimore City Fire Department (ret.)
Phi Beta Sigma, forever.
