Wesley Augustus Williams

Wesley Augustus Williams (August 26, 1897 – July 3, 1984) was the third African-American to join the New York Fire Department and the first to be promoted to an officer.

[3] He was born on August 26, 1897, to James Henry Williams (1879–1948) and Lucy Metrash (1881–1932) in Manhattan, New York City.

[3] Williams joined on January 10, 1919, and he was assigned to Engine Company 55 in Manhattan, New York City.

At the African-American day parades thru Harlem he often was the lead Vulcan as the highest ranking black officer.

[2] His papers are archived at the New York Public Library at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

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 ]
Chief Wesley Williams leads the Vulcan Society contingent thru Harlem during the annual African-American day parade
FDNY Department Honor - The Chief Wesley Williams Medal for Valor