10/05/2026
Lieutenant James E. Williams is North Little Rockβs first Black firefighter to complete its one-year probationary period successfully.
He devoted 39 years to the North Little Rock Fire Department, rising from Hoseman to Driver and ultimately Lieutenant. For much of his career, he served as the departmentβs only Black firefighterβcarrying both the responsibility of the job and the weight of breaking barriers for those who would come after him.
His commitment to service extended beyond the firehouse. While working full-time, he earned an Associateβs Degree in Fire Science. He later received the Pioneer Award from the North Little Rock Black Firefighters Association in recognition of his groundbreaking career and leadership.
Lt. Williams retired in 2008, leaving behind a legacy defined by perseverance, service, and family. He was the proud father of three daughters and grandfather of seven.
For nearly four decades, Lt. Williams served alongside generations of North Little Rock firefighters. Those who wear the uniform are part of a department whose history he helped shape and whose path he helped pave.
Lt. Williams passed away on September 21, 2026. Concluding his memorial service, members of the North Little Rock Fire Departmentβs Station 2, A Shift, joined the procession to his final resting place.
Along the route, the procession passed Station 7, his longtime home while serving as Lieutenant on Truck 7. Firefighters stood outside as he passed the station one last time to pay their respects.
source:
* URBANE Magazine - Volume 5/Issue29
* North Little Rock Fire Departmentβs page
