Ben Williams

City of Wilson Fire Chief
1971 – 1985

Ben Williams began his firefighting career in 1952. Ben was promoted from the rank of Firefighter/Private to Fire Captain in May of 1956. In June of 1967, he was promoted to the rank of 1^st Assistant Chief. On July 1, 1971 Assistant Chief Williams was named Fire Chief, replacing retiring Chief Tyrus Bissett. Ben remained in the Chief’s role until his retirement in 1985. During his tenure a fifth fire station was constructed in the Hackney Industrial Park and an 85′ ft platform Snorkl was purchased by the department. The department increased to 82 personnel and staffed seven engines and a ladder truck. In December 1973, under Chief Williams leadership, Wilson was the first fire department in the state of North Carolina, to change the color of their fire trucks from traditional fire engine red to lime yellow. After a visibility study conducted for the fire service in 1972, proved that the color “Lime Yellow” was most visible in all lighting conditions. It was believed that accidents involving fire apparatus would decline if fire trucks were easier to see.

Chief Williams retired in Wilson and spent many years enjoying his golf passion. He and his wife Joy resided in the Wilson Country Club subdivision. He passed away in 2005 and is buried in Maplewood Cemetery across from the WF/RS Training Center.