Firefighter falls to her death at party 2 days after graduation, DC officials say

An off-duty firefighter died in an accident two days after she graduated from her training academy, Washington, D.C., officials say.

Sadia Williams, 21, graduated from the DC Fire and EMS Training Academy on Aug. 22 and was set to begin a job at Engine Company 13 in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood of the nation’s capital, according to DC Fire and EMS.

But on Aug. 24, she was celebrating her graduation with classmates when she fell off a building, DC police told WRC. She died after being taken to a hospital.

Investigators said she had fallen from a rooftop terrace of the four-story townhouse, WTTG reported.

Following her graduation, Williams had earned the title of probationary firefighter, officials said.

“Probationary Firefighter Williams was a dedicated employee, a rising professional, and a bright presence within our organization,” fire officials said. “Throughout her training at the DC Fire and EMS Training Academy, she displayed strength, commitment, and the promise of a meaningful career in public service.”

Kevin Prince, one of the firefighter’s cousins, referred to her as a “beautiful soul.” He said the family was “devastated” about her death.

A colleague, Ryan Pagel, said he enjoyed watching Williams grow in the academy, adding that she exemplified a “great attitude.”

“More often than not, she proved herself stronger than even she realized,” Pagel said. “That determination and spirit defined her.”

Firefighters will gather to give Williams an honorary sendoff, D.C. Firefighters Union President Dave Hoagland told WTTG.