Brian L. Sanford

Brian L Sanford, 59, of Indianapolis died peacefully with his family by hisside on Monday March 21st, 2016 after a nearly five-year battle with ALS. He was born on September 3, 1956 in Hancock County to Charles and thelate Martha Sanford.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years Diane (Kennedy), his twobrothers (Steven and Rod), his three sons Ryan (Natalie), Michael(Jalyn), and Mark (Lori), and his eight grandchildren Garyn, Ashlyn, Gianna,Kai Shuai, Carter, Warren, Tyler and Nolan.

Sanford was a career firefighter, starting his distinguished career atWarren Township in 1983. He became the chief of Warren Township FireDepartment in 1999, and served in this role for 8 years. At the time ofthe Warren Township merger with the Indianapolis Fire Department, he was namedDeputy Chief of Emergency Services. Mayor Greg Ballard appointed Sanford Chiefof the Indianapolis Fire Department in 2008. He admirably served the city inthis role until stepping down in 2014, to assume the position of Chief of Staffof the Director of Public Safety.

Sanford had a profound impact on the city of Indianapolis and thecommunities in which he served. He had numerous accomplishments andawards. No award was more meaningful than the Sagamore of the Wabash,presented to him by Governor Pence in 2014. This award is given to a person whohas shown “Humanity in Living, Loyalty in Friendship, Wisdom in Council andInspiration in Leadership”.

He was a devout member of Indian Creek Christian Church and volunteered withhis wife in the child-care ministry. Despite all the contributions to thefire service and the city of Indianapolis, his true passion in life was hischildren and grandchildren. Attending their sporting events, school functions,and general activities will always remain the ultimate highlight of his life.

Visitation will be at Flanner and Buchanan- Washington Park East inthe Community Life Center, 10612 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46229 on Thursday March 24th from 1-7pm.Memorial Services will be held at Indian Creek Christian Church, 6430 S.Franklin Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46259 onFriday March 25th, beginning with a 9:00am visitation and 10:00am Celebrationof Life Service. Burial will immediately follow the service in the Crown HillCemetery Heroes of Public Safety Section. In lieu of flowers, the familyrequests donations be directed to the Chief Brian L. Sanford MemorialScholarship Fund. Online donations can be made at youcaring.com by searching "Chief Sanford Memorial Scholarship Fund."