'We love her.' Fuquay-Varina Fire Department mourning death of firefighter
The Fuquay-Varina community is mourning the loss of a firefighter after Summer Williams lost her battle with cancer. Williams had served her community for the past nine years.
Coworkers said Williams loved being a firefighter, and she will always have a home in the community.
Fire Chief Anthony Mauldin said Williams started her journey at the Fuquay-Varina Fire Department at 14 years old.
“She just had that passion to be a firefighter and that’s what we loved about her," he said. "She is an inspiration for everyone, including all of us here."
Williams received her certification in November of 2021 and never missed a class — even after being diagnosed with Stage 4 acral lentiginous melanoma skin cancer.
"She never missed a day of [the Wake County Fire Academy] even though she wasn't able to participate in some of the classes. But she never missed a day going to that Academy to get her certification," said Mauldin.
Mauldin said Williams always had a smile on her face and being a firefighter was her dream.
Her passion to help was her priority, no matter what she faced.
"She was here. You would have never known what she was going through. I often look at what would I do? I hope I can be half as strong as she is," he said.
While the empty hook remains on the wall where Williams' equipment would be, Mauldin said the impact she left behind is everlasting.
"We love her," he said.
