No matter what kind of mood you were in around him, he would always bring out a smile. Everything he did, not just the big stuff, but the common everyday things had something remarkable about them. There was gentleness in his spirit, a thoughtfulness that went out in everything he did and every word he spoke. "He is one man, a true leader, who will be missed tremendously," stated co-workers.<br />
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Bill Gafford, 56, of Birmingham, Alabama, died in the line of duty on April 25, 2007. Mr. Gafford was performing an annual fitness training exercise at the University of Alabama-Birmingham when he suffered a heart attack and collapsed. He was treated by other rescue members who were in at the training exercise and transported to the hospital where he later died.<br />
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Bill was the Captain of the Birmingham Fire and Rescue. He began his career as a Paramedic and Firefighter on April 30, 1984. He was a 23-year veteran with the department. He was also a volunteer serving as Fire Chief from 1989-1991 for the Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department. He had recently graduated from the Magic City Clown School in order to volunteer at local Birmingham Hospitals.<br />
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Captain Gafford was one great guy; he was always doing something worthwhile, something that would bring pleasure and happiness to others. "He lived life to its fullest," stated a friend and co-worker.<br />
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Honored 2008 |