The City of Cleveland is mourning the loss of a fire cadet following a tragic event this past week. Symeon Williams, a 39-year-old member of the Cleveland Fire Training Academy, died on Friday during physical training exercises. According to a post on the Cleveland Division of Police Facebook page, Williams suffered a medical emergency in the fifth week of his training at the academy.
Efforts to quickly save his life were made as both the Cleveland Fire and EMS paramedics provided immediate care. He was urgently transported to Metro Hospital, where resuscitation attempts ultimately failed to revive him. The specifics regarding the cause of death are being awaited from the Medical Examiner. Williams had previously served the community in several capacities, including working for Cleveland EMS, Port Control, and Sanitation before he pursued to become a firefighter on April 14th.
His passing is felt deeply across the community, touching many who knew him personally and professionally. Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, who was among those at the hospital alongside Safety Director Wayne Drummond and Fire Chief Anthony Luke, expressed his heartache. "I am absolutely devastated to learn about the tragic death of Symeon Williams – who is also a friend I’ve known for many years. It’s difficult to put into words how saddened I am for his family, friends, fellow cadets, and everyone else who knew how caring, selfless, and compassionate he was," Mayor Bibb told the press.
According to a statement obtained by the Cleveland Division of Fire, Chief Luke remarked, "Our entire Cleveland Fire Family is saddened by the loss of Cadet Williams." He promised the division would stand with the Williams family through the difficult days. The cadet, a dedicated worker and a loving father, is mourned by his two children, Symeon Jr, 12, and Syme, 2. The Cleveland Fire Honor Guard paid tribute to Williams, affirming the respect and camaraderie within the department.
Williams' commitment to service and community was evident through his employment in vital city roles before joining the fire academy. A lifelong Cleveland resident, he graduated from John F Kennedy High School in 2004. Details about funeral arrangements have not yet been released as the city and Williams' loved ones begin to navigate the loss of a man described as vibrant and dedicated to serving others.
