Fort Valley fire chief found dead, coroner says. What we know

The Fort Valley Fire Department chief was found dead in his home Monday morning, according to the Peach County Coroner’s Office.

Chief Antonio Woodard, 48, was out of work for about a week, according to Coroner Kerry Rooks. Someone went to check on Woodard and found him dead at his house on Forest Drive, Rooks said.

“He hadn’t been back at work since last Tuesday,” Rooks told The Telegraph.

He pronounced Woodard dead around 9:30 a.m. He appeared to have died of “natural causes,” Rooks said.

Woodard’s body is expected to undergo an autopsy by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Thursday morning, according to Rooks.

Woodard served as the fire chief since 2000.

The Peach County Fire Department and Peach County E-911 Division shared condolences and appreciation for Woodard’s dedication to public service.

“Your leadership, dedication, and service will never be forgotten. You will truly be missed,” the Peach County Fire Department said on Facebook. “We extend our deepest condolences to Chief Woodard’s family, friends and fellow firefighters.”

He was more than a leader, the E-911 Division said on Facebook.

“He was a mentor, a protector and a steadfast presence in our community. His years of dedicated service were marked by courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Fort Valley,” the division said. “His life mission was uplifting others in the community and we can only applaud the very real difference he made in the time he was given.”

This story was originally published July 8, 2025 at 4:33 PM.