Our condolences to the Gafford family and the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Department of Alabama. Captain Billy Gafford, 56, a 23 year veteran of the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Department, died Wednesday April 25, 2007. Billy was performing an annual fitness training exercise at the University of Alabama-Birmingham when he suffered a heart attack and collapsed. He was transported to University of Alabama-Birmingham Hospital where he died shortly after.

     Billy graduated from Birmingham's FireFighter Rookie School in 1984. He was also a volunteer with the Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Fire Chief from 1989-1991. Billy was the FireFighter Representative for the City of Birmingham Relief System Firemen and Policeman Supplemental Pensions System. He recently graduated from The Magic City Clown School so he could volunteer at local Birmingham Hospitals.

     Our brother Billy leaves behind his wife Cheryl and his two sons Billy and Jonathan. A visitation wil be held for Billy on Saturday April 28, 2007 4-8PM at Westwood Baptist Church in Birmingham. A funeral service for Billy will be held on Sunday April 29, 2007 3PM at Westwood Baptist Church followed by a burial in Crestview Memorial Gardens.