On February 5th, 2001, Gary Williams, Assistant Chief of the Harrison County Bureau Of Emergency Services, passed away after an extended illness. This section of the Bureau's website has been created in honor of his countless contributions to the Bureau and the citizens of Harrison County.
Gary was an intelligent and quick-witted person, as anyone who was fortunate enough to know him can attest. He was a man of strong conviction who possessed an undying sense of loyalty to his friends and his work. His years as a paramedic and firefighter with the Bridgeport Fire Department, as well as his career with the Bureau, are just a few of the examples of how Gary spent his life in service of others. Gary was also very active in the community, participating in church and charity events and spending time with many men, women and children, educating them not only about the Bureau's use of Enhanced 911, but how to be a better person as well.
Gary Williams spent his final years dealing with a variety of debilitating medical conditions, but despite his declining health, he continued his life and his employment in a normal fashion, putting the needs of the public and the Bureau above his own on numerous occasions. What he lacked in physical strength, he more than made up for with his strength of will and character. In what can only be termed most fitting, Gary's final hours were spent preparing for the start of another work week. Sadly, the Bureau will never again benefit from his presence, but while he may no longer be with us physically, his spirit and his memory will live forever. We at the Harrison County Bureau Of Emergency Services are left better for having known him, and the lessons and inspirations he instilled in those who knew him will last a lifetime.
The Bureau has lost a valuable resource, a leader, and most of all, a friend.
This section of the website will soon include images of Gary, and will also be home to comments by those who knew him. If you have any photographs of Gary that you would like to contribute, and/or if you have something you would like to say about him, you can E-mail them to the following address:
If you prefer, you can send them via regular mail to the following location:
Harrison County Bureau Of Emergency Services
Attn Assistant Chief James Copenhaver
420 Buckhannon Avenue
Nutter Fort WV 26301