MEET THE BOARD
Antoine D. Crews
President
Antoine D. Crews, Current President of Vanguards of Cleveland. A 14-year veteran who started his career with the East Cleveland Fire Department in 2006, and joined Cleveland Fire in 2015. A Martin L. King high school graduate and the Valedictorian of his Fire Tech class in 2004. He went on to attend the University of Toledo where he majored in Education and became a brother of the Iota Phi Theta fraternity. Mr. Crews went on to start a high school Fire/EMT program at Warrensville heights and partnered with Cuyahoga Community College while serving as coordinating secretary for the Vanguards of Cleveland.
He believes that education is the true key to life. A husband to Cleveland Police Detective Theresa Crews and a Father of 4. Mr. Crews true passion is developing the youth to be successful in life; as he believes his success came because of the passion of past Vanguards. ”The first firefighter I ever saw was a Vanguard”. Raised on St. Clair and attended Glenville before transferring to MLK H.S, Mr. Crews found his love for basketball, and track. He learned to play chess at the age of 12 and contributes chess to his everyday his life.
Overall President Crews goal is to build an environment that is Comparable and equal to all. Mr. Crews is big on tradition and understands that his success is a testament of the dedication and hard work of the vanguards that came before him. For that, Mr. Crews plans to leave a trail for those behind him. His favorite slogan is building a tradition, not resting upon one. #livelife
All that I am I owe, I live eternally in the Red.
Tyree Thompson
Vice President
Captain Tyree Thompson joined the Cleveland Division of Fire in 1996. He spent the majority of his career before being promoted to Lieutenant at Tower 10 located on East 101st and Chester.
In his 24 years, Tyree has served as Sargent at arms and most recently he served as President of the Vanguards. Tyree has certifications as an EMT-P, Hazmat Technician, Fire Instructor, and he is also a Fire Safety Inspector. Tyree has also served as a fire instructor for 3 cadet training classes where he taught search and rescue as well as ladders.
Tyree has been an active member of the Vanguards since joining the CFD.
All that I am I owe, I live eternally in the red.
Tyrelle Kiongozi Sr.
Treasurer
Tyrelle Kiongozi Sr.
Treasurer Vanguards of Cleveland
I have been with the Cleveland Division of Fire since 2015. I am a husband to Tatiana and father of three: Sydney(12), Tyrelle Jr.(6), & Royce(4). I am the fifth child of my mother's six children. I attended CMSD schools from elementary-high school. I was a high school dropout at one point and not always a straight and narrow citizen, however, I have always been a good person. I did go back to school to receive my high school diploma from The Cleveland Christian Academy.
After the birth of my daughter Sydney, I changed my life completely and made the transition from being an underachieving boy into what someone from my background would deem a thriving man. During my spiritual road to Damascus, I allowed myself to become educated by wiser men/women about real life. During this process, I learned a lot about myself and what my purpose would be. I found out how much I love my people, and I vowed that I would express my love every chance I could. To make a long story short, and a short story even shorter I thank the CREATOR for allowing me to bump into Victor Gill @ PNC.
From that afternoon I have been living my life eternally in the Red. I laugh and joke a lot, however, I'm not really into playing when it comes to US. I like to believe I'm a man of principles and values that won't compromise the mission for my own gain.
I appreciate everyone in this organization.
I'll fight from the front as long as it takes, in true Vanguard fashion.
All that I am I owe, I live eternally in the Red.
Anton Williams
LEAD TRUSTEE
Anton Williams is a 20-year veteran of the Cleveland Fire Department and a State of Ohio fire certified Training Officer. He was promoted to Fire Lieutenant/EMT in 2018 with the City of Cleveland Division of Fire. He worked as an exam proctor for paramedic training at Cuyahoga Community College where he earned his Associates of Arts Degree. He also worked as a Fire Instructor for the City of Cleveland. He is currently pursuing an Associates Degree in Fire Science from the Eastern Gateway Community College.
Anton's belief in education has lead him to achieve many certifications. Most notable: The Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute, where he received extensive training for fire service leaders. He also attended New Mexico Tech where he trained and received a certificate in area of bomb awareness. He received a Certificate of Completion for Weapons of Mass Destruction Radiological/Nuclear Hazardous Materials Technician from the US Department of Homeland Security,
In addition to continuing his education and working as a Fire Lieutenant, Anton works as a part-time firefighter/paramedic for the Village of Reminderville.
EMMANUEL COLON
TRUSTEE
Antoine Draft
CORRESPONDING
SECRETARY
My name is Antoine Draft, this is my 7th year in the fire service for the city of Cleveland and 3rd year as a member of the Vanguard of Cleveland. As the Corresponding Secretary, I will conduct general correspondence for the organization as well as communications through our social media outlets.
My purpose for joining the organization is to bridge the gap between the disparities suffered by minorities fighting on and off the job. I've always felt it was a necessity not only to stand up for what is right, but to also be a voice for the unheard.
It brings me great pleasure to fulfill my role within the organization as the Corresponding Secretary.
"All I AM, I OWE"
Emmanuel Colón has been a member of the Cleveland Fire Department since 2014 and has 8 years of experience as a certified paramedic. In 2018, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Since then, he has been assigned to E-01 in downtown Cleveland. Prior to serving as a firefighter, Lt. Colón was a paramedic with Cleveland EMS and Cleveland Clinic. He is a native Clevelander earning an Associate's Degree from Cuyahoga Community College. In March 2021, Colón and his wife are expecting their first child, a new member of their family, which already includes their Labrador, Charlie Brown.
Paul Williams, Jr. has been a member of the Cleveland Fire Department since 2016 serving the community as a firefighter. He attended John Marshall High School on Cleveland’s west side and has been a city of Cleveland employee for over 13 years. He is a loving father of two children.
Mr. Williams has always had a passion for giving back to the community and reaching out to the youth. He started the Young Future Firefighters Academy, an after school program designed to teach young children fire safety, physical fitness, and an introduction to the culture of the fire service. Mr. Williams has also been involved in several academic programs including Warrensville Heights Fire Tech program and Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
Mr. Williams joined the Vanguards of Cleveland immediately after starting his career in the fire service because of the imbalance and unjust treatment of minorities throughout the fire service. He’s a firm believer in the quote “Be the change you want to see in the world” and plans to do just that by continuing to give back just as those before him did.
“All that I am, I owe. I live eternally in the red”