(Washington, DC) It's been 20 years since Big John Williams was killed battling a fire in northwest Washington. On Sunday, his family will gather at Big John's former firehouse on New Jersey Ave., NW to mark the solemn anniversary.

The call came in around midnight for fire reported in the building, 14th and H Streets, NW. The day was December 19, 1984. Big John, typical of his spirit and love of firefighting, was first on Rescue Squad 1's rig - and out the door to save someone's life. He could not have known as Squad 1 raced to the scene - he would lose his own life inside that burning building, leaving behind a devoted family and scores of friends in the fire service.

The family of Brother Williams now wants to visit Engine 6 and Truck 4 to meet with current members of the department and to say 'thank-you' for the loving support over the years.