Greenlawn Fire Department Mourns Unexpected Loss of Ex-Captain

The Greenlawn community mourned the recent loss of Greenlawn Fire Department’s ex-Captain Harry Williams, Jr., who passed away suddenly on Nov. 11.

Williams, 48, served as a Greenlawn volunteer firefighter for 27 years, rising to Lieutenant and then Captain of the Engine Company.

He is survived by his son John M., parents Harry Sr. and Eva, and brothers Carl, Derrick and sister Angela. He was the caring uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Williams had a large presence in Greenlawn’s fire and rescue organizations:

• He served as a driver for all of the department’s apparatus.
• He served as director for nine years.
• He served as co-Chairman of the popular Fireman’s Fair held on Labor Day weekend.
• He served as an EMT on the Greenlawn Rescue Squad, earning a Green Cross commendation.
• He helped to treat and transport thousands of patients over the past 27 years.

He was a popular and well-liked throughout the community and neighboring departments. Williams’ popularity was evident from the large number of people who came to his Firematic Service at the A.L. Jacobsen Funeral Home on Nov. 17.

At the service, Chaplain John McKenna recognized the efforts of Greenlawn’s Rescue Squad paramedics and EMT’s, and the Emergency Room staff at Huntington Hospital that worked diligently in an attempt to revive Williams.

He was remembered for his dedication to helping others, and some have said that his heart was as big as his smile.

Photos by Steve Silverman, Portrait by Al Statton