Wreath Laying Honors “Big John” Williams

December 19, 2002

Alan Etter

Members of Engine 6, Truck 4 and Rescue Squad 1 welcomed the family of fallen DC firefighter John T. “Big John” Williams back to Engine 6.  The firehouse was renamed last year in honor of Williams, who died in the line of duty 18 years ago.  His surviving family members placed a wreath under a memorial plaque on the front of the firehouse, located at 1300 New Jersey Ave., NW.

Williams, who was assigned to RS1, died December 19, 1984 fighting a fire at 806 14^th St., NW.  Ten years after his death, his family began a campaign to rename the firehouse in Williams’ honor.  After many years of lobbying the city council and mayor’s office, a ceremony May 24, 2001 commemorated the renaming of Engine 6, Truck 4 the “John T. “Big John” Williams Building.