Macon Honors Retired Fire Chief For Bravery During Fatal Fire

During the March 18 Commission Meeting, Macon Mayor Lester Miller and the Commission honored retired Fire Chief Stephan M. Stafford in a surprise recognition attended by his family. Chief Stafford, who believed his wife was being recognized, became emotional as Mayor Miller began reading a proclamation in his honor.

“Whereas Chief Stephan M. Stafford began his career as a Macon-Bibb County Firefighter on June 12, 1974,” Mayor Miller read, as Stafford realized the moment was meant for him.

Chief Stafford’s decades of service were marked by dedication to firefighter and community safety. His career included a tragic incident on February 11, 2015, when a fatal fire on Fairview Drive left him injured. He was airlifted to Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, where he spent over a month recovering before returning home on March 18, 2015. With the support of his wife, Dr. Sharon L. Stafford, and their family, he recovered and continued his advocacy for firefighter safety.

Stafford retired in August 2015 after 41 years of service. The surprise recognition served as a testament to his lasting impact on the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department and the community he served.