First Responder Hero Award: Lt. Wesley Williams
COHUTTA, Ga. (WDEF) – News 12 is recognizing some of the bravest members of our community through the First Responders Hero Award.
Whether someone is an EMT, paramedic, firefighter, or police officer, this award honors their unwavering dedication to keeping us safe.
When danger strikes, these heroes are the first to respond.
Now, it is our turn to put them first.
In partnership with Wettermark Keith, News 12 is proud to spotlight these courageous men and women.
This month, the community has nominated Lieutenant Wesley Williams with the Whitfield County Fire Department.
Lieutenant Williams says his desire to serve began when he was a child.
“This is something I’ve always wanted to do since I was small. My parents always told me that when I was three, I was watching the TV show Emergency, and I said this is what I was going to do growing up.”
In the early 1990s, the Dalton Fire Department partnered with the Boy Scouts to start an explorer program.
Williams was one of its first participants.
“I actually started when that program began in 1990. Through the Explorer program, I learned about fire service, fire behavior, and everything that comes with the job. By the time I graduated high school, I knew this was what I wanted to do. In 1994, I started as a volunteer with Whitfield County Fire. Later, I worked at the 911 Center in 2006 before moving into an engineer position here at the department.”
When asked about difficult experiences, Williams said the focus should not always be on the tragedies.
“People often ask what the worst thing I have ever seen is, but that is not something you like to answer. It brings back memories you try to suppress.”
Instead, he recalled one story that showed how fire safety education saves lives.
“Several years ago, there was a fire on the east side of town. I was not on the scene, but what made it impactful was the little girl who lived in the home. She woke up in the middle of the night and remembered what we had taught her during fire safety programs. She woke up her entire family and got everyone out safely. The next year, when we did fire safety week, we recognized her at school. That was a very meaningful moment for me.”
Williams says he was surprised to learn he had been nominated for the First Responders Hero Award.
“I did not even know News 12 was doing this. When I found out, I was surprised. It is a really cool thing, and I want to thank everyone who nominated me. It is a pleasure to serve my community, and we look forward to doing it every single day.”
