He retired in 1952 with the rank of battalion chief. His lasting legacy, The Vulcan Society of the FDNY honors him as a founder of the fraternal organization; as an officer of the FDNY he declined office with the society. At the African-American day parades thru Harlem he often was the lead Vulcan as the highest ranking black officer. The FDNY bestows for bravery the Chief Wesley Williams medal at medal day ceremonies.
