Rest In Peace, Brother Symeon Williams
It is with great sadness that the City of Cleveland, Department of Public Safety, and Division of Fire report the death of Cleveland Fire Cadet Symeon Williams on May 16, 2025.
A member of the 40th Cleveland Fire Training Academy Class, Williams was performing physical training at the end of the academy’s 5th week when he suffered a medical emergency. Paramedics from both Cleveland Fire and EMS provided immediate medical care and Williams was swiftly transported to Metro Hospital, but heroic resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. We await a report from the Medical Examiner for cause of death.
Williams, 39, was a respected and dedicated worker with many friends including Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, who joined Safety Director Wayne Drummond, Fire Chief Anthony Luke, Firefighters Union President Jake Konys, members of Cleveland Fire and EMS, and Williams’ classmates at the hospital to pay their respects and support his family as the Cleveland Fire Honor Guard stood silent watch.
“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,” said Mayor Bibb. “He was excited to further his commitment to helping others by joining the Fire Academy and that has tragically been cut short. I will do everything I can as Mayor to ensure that his legacy is not forgotten.”