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Obituary for Daniel Alan Williams
We Lovingly Remember
Daniel Alan Williams
Daniel Alan Williams, son of Cleo M. Williams was born October 30, 1951 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On August 17, 2011, he transitioned to his heavenly home joining his ancestor warrior spirits who were on the front line.
He was a 1969 graduate of Edward Bok Vocational HS. Following his graduation, he served 3 years active duty in the US Army with assignments in Korea and Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1972. Danny earned a Masters of Human Services Degree from Lincoln University in May 2004. He was also a 2004 graduate of the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute, at Dillard University, New Orleans, LA.
Danny began his career with the Philadelphia Fire Department in July 1976. He excelled in his career earning various promotions. He was a State Certified Fire Investigator and served as an Assistant Fire Marshall. In August 2004, he was appointed to the position of Executive Chief of the Philadelphia Fire Department. While serving in this role, he was well respected by many reporters, community members and public officials. Reporters found him to be reliable and dedicated and even game him compliments on how he handled the media - an impossible task for most - but not for Danny!
He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at Holy Cross Baptist Church. He immediately became involved and served as the President of the Public Relations Ministry and was an active member of the Development Ministry. He also enjoyed the Men's Bible Study.
Danny was active in the struggle to uplift African Americans for most of his life. As a teenager, he was a coordinator for a mass city-wide high school walkout and rally demanding the inclusion of African American History in schools. He established himself as a outspoken advocate for firefighters, frequently challenging hiring and promotional practices in arguing for more opportunities for African Americans and others.
Danny held offices ranging from Secretary to President in Valiants Inc., the Philadelphia chapter of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters (IABPFF). He served as the President longer than anyone in the history of the organization. During his tenure as President, he expanded the Valiant Smoke Detector Program to include instruction in installation and maintenance for neighborhood civilian block captains, secured thousands of dollars in state funds to enhance the community awareness program and submitted testimony to City Council on the need for sprinkler systems in all high rise buildings, which is now law. Recognizing the lack of African Americans being hired as Paramedics in the city, Danny interacted with other IABPFF members across the country and with their assistance was able to influence the City of Philadelphia in establishing a Paramedic scholarship training program. The program was administered to all people, free of charge.
After his service as Valiant President, Danny turned his attention to more involvement at the Regional level. In 1999, Danny was elected Director of the Northeast Region and with the assistance of the Regional Executive Board, began to introduce several ideas to enhance chapter operations and communications. Danny was most proud of the delivery of the Region's 1st newsletter designed to keep every member informed of events in the Region and internationally.
He was the recipient of numerous federal, state and local citations for advocating for justice and fair dealing on behalf of the Community and Fire Service.
Danny captured everybody with is aura and charisma. He was always the center of attention and the life of a party! He lit up the room with his smile!
The Chief leaves his legacy of love and special blessings to wife Joyce; daughters Nicole, Tanya and Aqmera; grandson Jayden Daniel; brother Clyde; sisters Stella and Terri; aunt Novella; former wife Gwen; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; and best friend and confidant Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers.
Danny Williams was committed to "Keeping the Fire Burning for Justice". May the ancestors be pleased
There will be a viewing on Monday, August 22, 2011 beginning at 9:00 AM at Pinn Memorial Baptist Church located at 2251 North 54th Street. The funeral service will start at 11:00 AM. The final resting place will be West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. Professional services are entrusted to Wood Funeral Home, Inc. cwoodfh.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Holy Cross Baptist Church Scholarship Fund.
