RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Members of this Body were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Dwain P. Williams, most beloved citizen, loving husband, devoted father, and friend of his community, on December 3, 2020; and
WHEREAS, The City Council ofthe City of Chicago has been informed of Lt. Williams's death by the Honorable Carrie M. Austin, Alderman of the 34th Ward; and
WHEREAS, The third of five children, Lt. Williams was born on April 19, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late James and Vivian L. Williams; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Williams attended John P. Altgeld Elementary School and William Rainey Harper High School in West Englewood. A deeply spiritual man, Lt. Williams attended Harris Temple A.O.H. Church of God and continued his journey with Christ at Mount Vernon Church; and
WHEREAS, In 1976, Lt. Williams enlisted in the United States Army and held the position of Wire Systems Installer/Operator. Following active duty, he continued to serve his country in the Army Reserves while attending college. Lt. Williams received several national and international commendations and platoon achievements during his service. He remained an active member of the George L. Giles American Legion Post 87; and
WHEREAS, Building on his legacy of service and community, Lt. Williams mentored at-risk youth for over 10 years. He worked at the Chicago Park District as a physical instructor and at St. Philip Neri School as a computer and physical education teacher; and
WHEREAS, In December 1992, Lt. Williams began a 26-year career with the Chicago Fire Department. He was assigned to Engine 122 as an Emergency Medical Technician and CAD-Computer Instructor. From 2000 to 2005, he was assigned to Command Van 274, Hazardous Incident Team 5-1-1 and served as a Chicago Fire Academy Instructor. Lt. Williams was promoted to Fire Engineer in 2005 and to Lieutenant in 2011. Prior to retiring in 2018, he worked at the Fire Tactical Desk and as a Watch Officer in the Office of Emergency Management and Communications; and
WHEREAS, A man of many talents, Lt. Williams had a wide array of interests that included music, science, technology, engineering, math, basketball, and chess. As "D-Sharp," he played in many bands including RAM Band and Mixed Nutz. Lt. Williams acquired four degrees, over 80 certifications in mathematical, scientific and independent studies, and earned countless awards and accolades; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Williams was blessed with four daughters: Tarmarcea, Kenya, Diona, and Dakeeda. He set an extraordinary standard of love, civic responsibility, work ethic, and commitment to the betterment of humanity, and was an inspiration to all who were fortunate to know him; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Williams is survived by his adoring wife, Karen Armstrong-Williams; four beautiful daughters, and their spouses; sister Anunka Rowell and brother Keith Williams, and their spouses; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many other family members, friends, and colleagues who will continue to honor and treasure his memory; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Williams was a devoted family man, a veteran firefighter who risked his own life to save others, a community servant, and a caring and generous individual who loved people. While he will be deeply missed, his inspirational legacy will live on in those who knew and loved him; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this 27th day of January, 2021, do hereby acknowledge Lieutenant Dwain P. Williams's remarkable achievements and many years of service, and extend our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends; and