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A Life of Service: CPD honors memory of captain who passed away after battle with cancer

54 views · Published 7 September 2018 · 2:53 · Indexed 28 September 2026

Channel: LOCAL 12 · 2018 · News & Politics

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CINCINNATI (WKRC) - She was the first at many things in her career.

In 2016, Kimberly Williams earned the rank of captain, the first and only African-American woman to do it.

Sgt. Olivia Greer met Williams years ago when she worked enforcing drug arrests.

"She was a beautiful person, kind and considerate to others," Greer said.

In 1990, Lt. Donna Robinson graduated from the Cincinnati Police Academy. Williams was already serving. Robinson first became friends with Williams but eventually thought of her as a sister.

"She was such an encouragement to me, and I valued her so greatly because so many people are talking about she was the first this and the first that, and I was always so proud of her for being that, you know, having the guts to do that," Robinson said.

Many officers got to know the woman and mother behind the uniform. Greer remembers the Captain's commitment to her son. 

 "Single mom raising a son, trying to advance her career on the department and trying to do so by herself," she said.

That translated into affection for other children. Williams ran the Youth Services Unit. She wrote a $3-million grant to fund C.I.T.I. Camp that helps at-risk youth, and, for a time, Williams oversaw the Explorer Program.

That's where Jerome Herring met Williams while he was a student learning about law enforcement. He remembers the captain's expectations for the Explorers while she oversaw the program.

"Just long enough to see us get first place in some many events and to see us work with the community and volunteer as many hours as we have, and in doing so, she followed most, if not all, of her Explorers, who are now police officers, through the end," Herring said.

Herring is now a Cincinnati Police officer. He just graduated from the academy in May.

Williams also inspired Lt. Robinson to go to the FBI Academy. Williams invited Robinson to Quantico after Williams successfully graduated.

"This was the FBI academy that my friend was graduating from, and I was just so in awe over that, and I was like, 'Kim, I gotta do this. I've got to do this,' and she says, 'And you will,'" Robinson said.

A few weeks ago, hundreds rallied around Williams at a cancer awareness benefit. At that time, Williams told Local 12 News, "I've always tried to leave a legacy of love, compassion, and I guess it shows because it's coming back to me right now. It's coming back to me. So thank you."

Police Chief Eliot Isaac reflected on what losing Williams means for the police department.

He said, "Just a person with a heart so warm and so large that this is a tremendous loss to not only the department, but to this city as well."

People who knew Williams believe she'll be remembered for a life of service to others.

"To be there through the whole journey of her career and to share in the end, I am really going to miss her. I value her so deeply and how she touched us all, especially me."

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Sept. 1. from 9-11 a.m. at Lincoln Heights Baptist Church at 9991 Wayne Ave. The FOP service will begin at 10:30 a.m., and the funeral service will follow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Interment will take place at Spring Grove Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

A repass will be held at the Duke Energy Convention Center immediately following burial.

A benefit account has been established at the Cincinnati Ohio Police Federal Credit Union in memory of Captain Williams. Donations will be provided to her son, Robinson.

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