Cleveland is mourning the unexpected and terrible death of Fire Cadet Symeon Williams, a 39-year-old lifelong local who died during a training exercise earlier in May.
His funeral was held at Calhoun Funeral Home in Bedford Heights, followed by burial at Cleveland Memorial Gardens.
Williams had a medical problem on May 16 while participating in physical training exercises at the end of the fifth week of the Cleveland Fire Training Academy. Cleveland Fire and EMS quickly began life-saving procedures and rushed him to MetroHealth Medical Center. Despite fast and heroic resuscitation efforts, Williams was unable to be revived.
RELATED STORIES
“The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner is still working to determine the exact cause of death,” Cleveland Fire PIO Lt. Mike Norman told Cleveland19.
The suddenness of Williams’ passing has left his family, colleagues, and the greater Cleveland community in shock.
Williams was a 2004 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School and a member of the 40th Cleveland Fire Training Academy Class. Though his time with the fire department was tragically cut short, he had already built a long and dedicated history of public service in Cleveland.
Before joining the Fire Academy on April 14, Williams had served the city for 15 years in several critical roles, including in Cleveland EMS from 2008 to 2011, Port Control from 2014 to 2023, and Sanitation from 2024 to April 2025.
Williams’ death has struck a deep chord throughout Cleveland, especially among those who knew him personally or worked alongside him during his many years of service. From EMS to port control to sanitation, Williams was known for his work ethic, his kindness, and his unwavering desire to contribute to the well-being of his community.
His pursuit of a career in firefighting was described by many as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. According to his colleagues, he was on the cusp of realizing that goal when tragedy struck.
“Words cannot describe this great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and classmates of our Brother. While his time amongst our ranks was cut short, he will forever hold a place within our fire family,” said Jake Konys, President of IAFF Local 93.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb shared a personal tribute to Williams, underscoring the depth of the loss. “It’s difficult to put into words how saddened I am for his family, friends, fellow cadets, and everyone else who knew how caring, selfless, and compassionate he was,” said the mayor, adding, “He was excited to further his commitment to helping others by joining the Fire Academy and that has tragically been cut short.”
Lt. Norman emphasized that while the academy has lost a cadet, the department has lost a brother in service. The sentiments echoed throughout the Cleveland Division of Fire, where fellow cadets and instructors continue to grieve the loss of a classmate who was admired for his perseverance and humility.
The community and his family remember Williams not only as a dedicated public servant but also as a devoted father. Loved ones describe him as “a loving father,” committed to both his family and his community. He leaves behind two children — a 14-year-old and a 2-year-old — who were central to his life.
Though his journey was cut tragically short, his legacy of commitment and compassion will live on in the hearts of those he served and those who served with him.
