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Washington salutes Dennis Williams |
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Family, friends pay respects to one of Washington Township's honored
firefighters, Capt. Dennis L. Williams. PRINCETON — Under a light drizzle, a long line of fire and emergency vehicles slowly snaked through Princeton streets on Monday, silent but with lights blazing. The procession was met at St. Paul's church on Nassau Street by a ceremonial bagpiper and rows of saluting, white-gloved firefighters and police officers. Inside several hundred more mourners packed into pews and lined the church's aisles. All had come to say a final goodbye to Washington fire Capt. Dennis L. Williams. The Hamilton Square man, 39, was killed on April 29 after a dump truck struck him on Route 29 in Hopewell. Hopewell Police Capt. George Meyer said Mr. Williams pulled off to the side of the road at 7:45 a.m. because of a flat tire. While a driver from Hawks Towing & Recovery removed the flat tire, Mr. Williams took off a spare from the back of his Ford Bronco, Capt. Meyer said. The spare tire rolled into the roadway and Mr. Williams went after it. An oncoming dump truck swerved, but could not stop in time to avoid hitting Mr. Williams. Police said he was killed instantly. On Monday the Rev. Patrick Connor told mourners it was hard to understand Mr. Williams' "senseless, random death." He remembered Mr. Williams as a "valiant" man with strong faith who loved his family and his job. Mr. Williams' dedication to his career and family, and his love of fishing, were the dominant themes of Monday's Mass. In a eulogy, Dick Williams said that his son acted as the self-appointed conscience of his family and friends. "He adhered to a strict set of principles and demanded we all do the same," Mr. Williams said as his voice broke with tears. "Because he cared so passionately, he demanded the best and so we did too. We're all better for it." The elder Mr. Williams said his son was a devoted father to Dylan, 7, and Morgan, 8. "His sons were the core of Dennis' life," Mr. Williams said. "No father ever did a better job of passing along life's lessons about the need for compassion, hard work and strong belief in everything that you do." Mr. Williams also spoke of his son's love of fishing. The avid fisherman was on his way to a early-morning fishing trip when he was killed. Mr. Williams said fishing was a way for Dennis to "find God, life and peace." The career firefighter's devotion to his work was cited by several speakers. Mr. Williams worked with the Washington Fire Department as a volunteer and later joined full time. He was promoted from lieutenant to captain and in 2002 he was named Fireman of the Year. Since Mr. Williams' death April 29, the Washington fire station has flown its flag at half-staff and shrouded the building in black flags and bunting. Last week Mr. Williams colleagues spoke fondly of a man who approached his job with fervor and dedication. On Monday his fellow firefighters joined the funeral procession with several firetrucks and ambulances. One truck was draped in black bunting and covered with flowers. The Washington firefighters were joined by more than 100 other emergency personnel from local and distant towns, all in dress uniform with black bands covering their badges. The eulogy and the sight of Mr. Williams two young children moved several of the firefighters and police officers to tears during the Mass. After the Mass, Mr. Williams was cremated in a private ceremony. |
Visit the Dennis Williams online memorial here