Giving back CalCPA Public Service Award winner.

2005

LEONARD WILLIAMS

For a lifetime devoted to the betterment of the community, Leonard W. Williams is CalCPA's 2005 Public Service Award winner.

A Sunnyvale-based sole practitioner, Williams 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. He has spoken at the California CPA Education Foundation's Annual Tax Planning & Update Conference annually since 1998. And readers of California CPA will recognize his name from the California Tax columns he pens for the magazine.

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But it is his tireless dedication to his community that speaks to the spirit of this award. "Leonard is a great representative for our profession," says James Kuhn, chair of CalCPA's Awards & Recognition Committee. "He clearly demonstrates that you can be a successful professional and still make significant contributions to your community."

Williams' focus on the community began in 1961, when he received the "Key Man" award from the Sunnyvale Jr. Chamber of Commerce (now known as the Jaycees) for his work coordinating several projects. He subsequently served as president (1961-62). Williams also served on the Sunnyvale Charter Revision Committee in 1968.

In the 1980s, Williams devoted much time to the Treasurer's Committee of Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills, and presently is on the Finance Committee.

But firefighting--specifically helping those who fight fires--may be Williams' greatest passion.

In 1969, Williams founded the Fire Associates of Santa Clara Valley, a volunteer nonprofit that provides support services, including water and food, for local fire fighters, EMS personnel and victims at the scene of fires.

The organization has flourished from 12 members to 34 and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and responds to about 72 fires a year.

Williams is the longtime secretary and former president of the International Fire Buff Associates, Inc., an umbrella organization of volunteer groups that perform the same support functions for fire departments. In addition, he has donated many hours to fundraising for the Alisha Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, a charity benefitting burn victims.

Williams is also national treasurer of the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America, and he boasts one of the state's largest collections of restored fire trucks, including a 1929 Ahrens-Fox pumper.

The accolades are rolling in. Last year, Williams was awarded the 2004 Henry N. Wilmers Fire Buff of the Year Award from the International Fire Buff Associates. And in 2003, he received a commendation from Sunnyvale Mayor Julia Miller for his efforts with the Fire Associates of Santa Clara Valley.