Southern Pines Fire & Rescue issued the following announcement on Aug. 4.
It is with the deepest regret that the Southern Pines Fire Department announces the passing of Retired Fire Chief Hampton Williams after a long battle with cancer.
Chief Williams passed away in the early morning hours of August 4, 2021, at his home surrounded by family.
Ironically, Chief Williams's passing coincided with his hiring date at Southern Pines Fire Department, August 4, 1986. He served as a Firefighter/EMT (Aug 1986-Aug 1990), Asst. Shift Leader (Aug 1990-June 1997), Lieutenant (June 1997-May 1998), Fire Inspector (Captain) (May 1998-Dec 2005), and Fire Chief (Dec 2005 – Dec 2016).
Chief Williams was a big proponent of higher education in the fire service. He set the example by obtaining his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from UNC Pembroke on May 6, 2006, and his Master's Degree in Executive Fire Service Leadership from Grand Canyon University on March 2, 2010.
After retiring from the Town of Southern Pines on December 23, 2016, he went to work for Central Carolina Community College as a Fire/Rescue Training Coordinator.
Chief Williams is survived by his wife, three adult children, grandchildren, and all of the members of the fire department.
Original source can be found here.
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