VIDEO: Antonio Woodard was more than Fort Valley’s fire chief — he was, as those who knew him best recall, the steady heart of the city’s fire service. The 48-year-old was found dead at his home on Monday. He served Fort Valley’s fire department for more than two decades, steadily rising through the ranks. Peach County Fire Chief Timothy Bechtel said their relationship was built on years of working closely together. “That’s my brother. Not just in the fire service, but as a friend,” Bechtel said. “If I was going into a fire and he was with me, he’s right there with me. We had each other’s backs.” Bechtel said that they always went by first names, having grown up through the ranks together. “When you grow up through the ranks with somebody, you really get to know them…understand them,” he said. Fort Valley Mayor Jeffrey Lundy spoke about Woodard’s involvement beyond firefighting, adding he coached youth football, mentored kids and started programs to encourage young people to consider careers in fire service.
