The Indianapolis (IN) Fire Department (IFD) announced that former IFD Chief Brian L. Sanford lost his battle with ALS and passed away shortly after 3 p.m. today. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his family. Please keep the Sanford family in your prayers. More information about services will be made available when possible.

Chief Ernest Malone offers his sincere condolences to Diane Sanford and the entire Sanford family.  “Brian was an excellent fire chief, but he was an even better man. The relationships he forged and the people he touched throughout his time in the fire service will forever be remembered as he continues to watch over us each and every day. All of us are better for knowing him--I know I am.”

Brian Sanford, 59, has been married to Diane Sanford for 39 years and has three sons, Ryan, Mike and Mark. He has eight grandchildren. A lifetime Hoosier, Brian was born in Hancock County grew up on an eastside dairy farm and graduated from Mount Vernon High School. He is an active member of Indian Creek Christian Church. He was an Indianapolis firefighter for 32 years before his retirement in December of 2015. Sanford was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in June of 2011.