WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Fire Department is heartbroken by the loss of Lt. Sean Williamson, who died in the line of duty after a fire-damaged building collapsed in the Fairhill neighborhood on June 18, 2022; and
WHEREAS, Shortly before 2:00 a.m. on June 18th fire crews were called to 300 W. Indiana Avenue. Eight occupants of the property were safely evacuated from the building; and
WHEREAS, The fire was placed under control over an hour later. Firefighters remained working when the building collapsed around 3 a.m. A 2nd-alarm was declared after the collapse occurred; and
WHEREAS, Four people, three firefighters and one L&I Inspector were initially trapped, and removed and transported to Temple Hospital; and
WHEREAS, It was discovered that two additional firefighters were trapped under the debris; therefore, firefighters began a search and rescue operation. Lt. Robert Brennan, Jr was found, safely transported to Temple Hospital. Tragically, Lt. Williamson was also found and pronounced deceased at the scene at 6:45 a.m.; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Williamson was a former Marine who provided dedicated and exemplary service to the City of Philadelphia for 27 years; and
WHEREAS, He was last assigned to Ladder 18 in Tioga/Nicetown. Over his long career he also served with the specialized Rescue 1 company; taught at the Fire Academy, and was a member of PA-Task Force1, the federal urban search-and-rescue team sponsored by the Philadelphia Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, In his statement, Mayor Kenney said Lt. Williamson exemplified heroism by doing what our first responders do every day: put on their uniform, leave their loved ones, and carry out their sworn duty to protect and serve the residents of Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at the Epiphany of Our Lord Church on Monday, June 27 at 11a.m.; and
WHEREAS, Shortly after the Mass, the Philadelphia Fire Department will stage a funeral procession beginning at Engine 59/Ladder 18/Medic 4, 2201 W. Hunting Park Ave. This procession of vehicles and apparatus will travel east on Hunting Park and turn south on Broad until it reaches Stolfo Funeral Home, 2536 S. Broad Street; and
WHEREAS, To honor the memory of Lt. Williamson, all City of Philadelphia flags will be flown at half-staff for 30 days; and
WHEREAS, Lt. Williamson will forever be remembered and honored by the City of Philadelphia for his courageous service and ultimate sacrifice; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and honors the life and service of Philadelphia Firefighter Lieutenant Sean Williamson.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy be presented to the family of Lt. Williamson and Ladder 18, further evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
End