Cleveland fire cadet dies following medical emergency during training

Officials said Symeon Williams, 39, was known for his energy, kindness and work ethic across the departments he served

May 17, 2025 04:48 PM

Kaylee Remington
cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The City of Cleveland has released the identity of the fire cadet who died after a medical emergency during training Friday afternoon.

Symeon Williams, a 39-year-old fire cadet and longtime public servant, suffered a medical emergency during physical training at the Cleveland Fire Academy, fire officials said.

With great sadness we report the death of Cleveland Fire Cadet Symeon Williams on May 16, 2025. Williams, 39, was a respected and dedicated worker with many friends including Cleveland Mayor @JustinMBibb We offer our condolences to Williams’ family and friends. pic.twitter.com/TRLaXVKHOq
— ClevelandFire (@ClevelandFire) May 17, 2025

Williams, a member of the 40th Cleveland Fire Training Academy Class, collapsed near the end of the academy’s fifth week. Paramedics from both Cleveland Fire and EMS provided immediate aid and took him to MetroHealth Medical Center, where efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released a cause of death.

Although Williams was new to the Cleveland Fire Department, his commitment to serving the city ran deep. He had previously worked for Cleveland EMS from 2008 to 2011, later joining Cleveland’s Department of Port Control from 2014 to 2023 and most recently the Sanitation Department in 2024 before entering the Fire Academy on April 14 .

“It is tragic to lose someone so vibrant and so close to achieving his lifelong goal of becoming a Cleveland firefighter,” the city said in a statement.

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Mayor Justin Bibb, who had a personal friendship with Williams, was among the many officials and first responders who gathered at the hospital following his death. Alongside Safety Director Wayne Drummond, Fire Chief Anthony Luke and IAFF Local 93 Union President Jake Konys, the mayor stood with Williams’ classmates and family as members of the Cleveland Fire Honor Guard maintained a silent vigil, officials reported.

A lifelong Cleveland resident and a 2004 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, Williams was known for his energy, kindness and work ethic across the departments he served, officials said. He leaves behind two sons, Symeon Jr., 12 and Syme, 2.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but city officials say they will work closely with the Williams family to honor him.

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