A concurrent RESOLUTION

To request the department of labor, licensing and regulation DEDICATE THE STATUE AND PLAZA OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA fallen firefighter memorial garden, LOCATED ON THE GROUNDS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA FIRE ACADEMY IN rICHLAND cOUNTY, "in memory of chief jerry williams".

Whereas, Chief Jerry Williams served as a South Carolina firefighter from 1955 until his death on June 25, 2021; and

Whereas, the son of the late J. Ray Williams and Lucille Faulkenberry, he graduated from Rock Hill High School in 1956 and served in the National Guard for ten years; and

Whereas, as a fireman, Williams served the Lesslie Fire Department in Rock Hill for more than sixty years, including many years as its chief. He was president of the South Carolina State Firefighters' Association from 1994 to 1995. He also served as president of the South Carolina State Association of Fire Chiefs from 2003 to 2004. Chief Williams traveled the state teaching fire suppression training courses for the South Carolina Fire Academy for over thirty years, and was instrumental in passage of legislation requiring smoke detector placement in rental properties in the State; and

Whereas, Chief Williams served as a York County councilman for six years, four as its chairman, during which he worked tirelessly to eliminate double taxation within municipalities of York County and developed funding mechanisms for rural York County fire operations; and

Whereas, from 1985 to 2000, Chief Williams relentlessly worked for the citizens of York County as training officer and lead mechanic, developing and supervising the construction of York County's fire training center and building rolling stock which set the standard for water shuttle tanker design in the Southeast; and

Whereas, the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Garden was constructed on the grounds of the South Carolina Fire Academy by the South Carolina State Association of Fire Chiefs and the South Carolina Firefighters' Association in conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation; and

Whereas, Chief Williams and his grandson, Stevie, were used as the model for the statue featured in the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Garden of a firefighter holding a child; and

Whereas, heavily involved in both the concept and implemention of the South Carolina Fallen Firefighter Memorial, Chief Williams worked for twenty years toward its upkeep and maintenance; and

Whereas, it would be fitting and proper that the memorial be dedicated to the memory of Chief Williams with a plaque stating:

"This plaza is dedicated to the memory of

Chief Jerry Williams

Lesslie Fire-Rescue

In recognition for his vision, leadership, and resolve to create this statue and plaza as a memorial to our state's firefighters who gave their lives in the line of duty, and as a place of quiet peace for all those who continue to serve in the noble calling of a firefighter.

The statute of a firefighter holding the child is Chief Williams and his grandson, Stevie. His likeness will forever be a part of this memorial plaza." Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, request the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation dedicate the statue and plaza of the South Carolina Fallen Fighter Memorial Garden, located on the grounds of the South Carolina Fire Academy in Richland County, "In Memory of Chief Jerry Williams" and place a plaque at the statute with the inscription contained in this resolution.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

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