Firefighting Assistance Earns Sunnyvale CPA PSA from CalCPA (0810)

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. — A Sunnyvale CPA who volunteers much of his time to aid firefighters is the recipient of the California Society of CPAs’ 2005 Public Service Award.

Leonard W. Williams was honored for his longtime commitment to public service that has significantly affected his community.

Williams, owner of Leonard W. Williams, CPA, has served in numerous capacities for CalCPA, including president of the Peninsula Silicon Valley Chapter (1992–93) and member of CalCPA’s Committee on Taxation for more than 20 years.

But the PSA honor specifically recognizes his community volunteer efforts, especially his work on behalf of firefighters.

Last year, Williams received the 2004 Henry N. Wilmers Fire Buff of the Year Award from the International Fire Buff Associates. And in 2003, Sunnyvale Mayor Julia Miller commended him for his work with the Fire Associates of Santa Clara Valley, which he founded in 1969.
 
The Fire Associates of Santa Clara Valley is a volunteer nonprofit that provides support services, including water and food, for local fire fighters, EMS personnel and victims at the scene of fires. Its current 34 members typically respond to about 72 fires a year.

A longtime treasurer and former president of the International Fire Buff Associates, Williams also has volunteered his CPA skills to the Mission Valley Fire Associates, where he has served in various leadership roles.

In addition, he has donated many hours to local charities benefiting burn victims. And Williams has been treasurer of the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America. Recently he received a certificate of recognition from the California State Fire Marshal.

Williams brings his community work home with him, boasting one of the state’s largest collections of restored fire trucks.

Williams’ focus on the community began in 1961, when he received the “Key Man” award from the Sunnyvale Junior Chamber of Commerce (now known as the Jaycees) for his work as the club’s president and for coordinating several projects. Williams also served on the Sunnyvale Charter Revision Committee in 1968.

In the 1980s, Williams pledged his time to the Treasurer’s Committee of Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills, where he remains a key consultant.