SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) issued a statement today in honor of retired Fire Chief Doug Williams, whose legacy of service in Sonoma County will be commemorated during a celebration of life today:

“There are very few humans on Earth who are as kind, generous, and dedicated as Chief Williams. You’d be hard pressed to find someone here in Sonoma County whose life wasn’t touched by the kindness and tireless leadership of Chief Williams. He was the epitome of a strong leader, a good neighbor, and a loving family man. And even though he retired from fire duty after more than 40 years, he never stopped working on behalf of his community, dedicating countless hours to philanthropic and community work. It was an honor to work with Chief Williams, and a privilege to call him a friend. Sonoma County is a better, stronger, and safer place to live because of this hometown hero.”

Chief Williams, who passed away earlier this month from lung cancer at age 68, dedicated his career to fire service. For 18 years, he served as Fire Chief of the Central Fire Authority – a consolidation of Rincon Valley Fire and Windsor Fire, both of which he had worked for previously. Chief Williams was named the California Fire Chiefs Association 2010 Fire Chief of the Year and inducted into CFCA’s Hall of Fame in 2023. He was a lifelong resident of Santa Rosa, a longtime community leader and a beloved Sonoma County public servant who will be greatly missed. 

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Mike McGuire is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. He represents the North Coast of California, which stretches from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border, including Del Norte, Trinity, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, Sonoma, and Marin Counties. Website of Senate Leader McGuire: https://sd02.senate.ca.gov/