Firefighter Wesley Williams; Engineer of Steamer operating Christie Tractor at 363 Broome St; Engine 55 in Little Italy NYC; circa 1920. The tractor had 2 wheels and pulled the steam fire engine (rear end with large wheels) in place of the Percheron draft horses.[7]
He was inspired to join the New York City Fire Department when he read about Samuel Jesse Battle joining the New York City police department. The first African-American to join the New York City Fire Department was William H. Nicholson, who joined in 1918.[3] Williams joined on January 10, 1919, and he was assigned to Engine Company 55 in Manhattan, New York City. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1927.[8]
Chief Wesley Williams leads the Vulcan Society contingent thru Harlem during the annual African-American day parade
He retired in 1952 with the rank of battalion chief.[4] His lasting legacy, The Vulcan Society of the FDNY honors him as a founder of the fraternal organization; as an officer of the FDNY he declined office with the society. At the African-American day parades thru Harlem he often was the lead Vulcan as the highest ranking black officer.
FDNY Department Honor - The Chief Wesley Williams Medal for Valor
The FDNY bestows for bravery the Chief Wesley Williams medal at medal day ceremonies.
↑ He used the date August 26, 1897, for the World War I draft registration in 1918. He appears as Wesley Williams in the 1900 United States census on June 6, 1900, in Manhattan where his birthday is listed as August 1897. Generally the document closest to the date of birth is the most accurate.
