Firefighter Charles A. “Chuck” Williams died on February 17, 1997, after getting trapped in the basement of a burning structure on Addison Avenue. At 0009 hours on the morning of February 17, 1997, Engine 6, with FF Chuck Williams and FF Jerry Ray Jr., pulled the attack lines, extinguished fire around the front door, and made entry. Within a few minutes, the firefighters were discovered to be missing, and the hole was located in the floor. Numerous rescue attempts were made, but only FF Ray was able to make it out alive. Post-incident investigations revealed that both firefighters had run out of air before being removed.

Firefighter Williams was 29 years old at the time of his death. FF Williams’ death was one of the driving forces that propelled the City of Lexington to purchase and install a new radio system and portable radios for the fire department.

Described as having a “larger than life” personality and “heart for others,” his legacy lives on in the Chuck Williams auction every year, benefitting the Lexington Firefighters Toy Program.