Sean Williams, Firefighter/Engineer

Meet Engineer Sean Williams, a dedicated and seasoned firefighter whose illustrious career spans 32 years and is currently stationed at Fire Station 24, which serves the community of Shadow Hills in Los Angeles, CA.

From a young age, Williams knew he wanted to be a firefighter. His fascination with firetrucks and a love for the outdoors set the stage for his future career. As an active and athletic individual who enjoyed sports, BMX biking, and hiking, firefighting's outdoor nature perfectly aligned with his personality. However, it was his innate desire to help others that truly sealed the deal. Williams recognized firefighting as a perfect fit for combining his passion for the outdoors and his inclination to assist those in need.

Williams always envisioned himself as an engineer within the LAFD.

"I've always admired the engineers that came before me. They always seemed to be very sharp, dedicated to their work, and possess another level of knowledge of the fire service. They were able to teach that and pass that along to me and I admired that. I wanted to emulate that.”

As an engineer, Williams saw himself as the crew's quarterback, responsible for the tools and equipment on the fire engine. He took this responsibility to heart, recognizing that keeping the fire engine in optimal condition was crucial for serving the citizens effectively. For Williams, becoming an engineer was not just about technical expertise, but also about serving the community to the best of his abilities.

His motivation to serve as a firefighter is deeply rooted in his family. While he chose this noble profession before starting a family, his children have become a constant source of inspiration for him. Sean's two children have graduated from prestigious universities, with his daughter obtaining a master's of public health degree in epidemiology from UCLA and his son earning a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from UC Davis. As a role model, Sean has instilled in them the importance of loving what you do for a living and serving others.

Williams identifies working with his team as the most rewarding aspect of being a firefighter. The camaraderie, teamwork, and shared dedication among his crew members create an environment where they can achieve remarkable things together.

“There's a lot of cliches you can say like 'teamwork makes the dream work,' but it really does. We feel good working with each other, we really have a good time together."

When not donning his firefighting gear, Sean enjoys a variety of activities. Golfing, bike riding, and taking walks with his wife and their dog allow him to unwind and appreciate the simple pleasures of life. He also shares a love for traveling and attending Dodger games.

Williams has begun thinking about his post-retirement plans. "My wife and I have given ourselves a quest when I retire, and that quest is to visit every professional baseball stadium in America," he said.

Williams’ journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring firefighters by emphasizing the importance of finding fulfillment in one's work and embracing the opportunity to positively impact others' lives.