On October 25, 2005 Captain Robert Gallardy passed as a result of injuries suffered the previous Sunday while teaching at the PA Fire Academy in Lewistown, PA. Bob was an adjunct instructor helping teach a class of structural fire instructer candidates. Gallardy had gone to the basement of the academy burn building to light the fire for the last evolution of the day. Upon entering the basement, the suppression team found Gallardy on the floor of the burn room and, with the assistance of the RIT team, removed him from the building. Gallardy suffered severe burns over much of his body.

  Following treatment on scene and stabilization at the Lewistown Hospital, Gallardy was taken to the burn center at Lehigh Valley Medical Center in Allentown, PA where he died 2 days later.

  Gallardy served a number of years with the Summerhill Volunteer Fire Company in Cambria County, PA prior to his hire with the Altoona Fire Department in 1996. Gallardy was promoted to Captain in July 2005 and served as a PA state fire instructer for over 4 years. Gallardy is survived by his wife, Vicky, and 3 sons, Kyle, Drew, & Derrick.

  The Gallardy family and the Altoona Fire Department would like to extend their thanks to all for their support, and in particular to the Johnstown, Allentown/Bethlehem, Summerhill and Pittsburgh Fire Departments, as well as the Altoona Police Department for going "above and beyond" in their assistance.

  In memory of Bob, and his dedication to the improvement of firefighter safety and the fire service overall through education, a fund has been established to support firefighters in acquiring training, certification or protective equipment. For more information on the fund, visit www.gallardyfund.org