Newly Elected Florida Fire Chief Takes Own Life

Fire Chief Bill Ward, 49, was found dead at his home in Leon County and authorities revealed that autopsy results showed he died as a result of self-inflicted injuries.

"I don't think there was undue stress on him here, but you never know what people are thinking . . . Personally, I valued his performance here in the county. He stepped up to the plate when we needed someone to lead the fire department," Wakulla County Commissioner Mike Stewart told the news station.

Ward was promoted to the position of fire chief only a few weeks ago after serving as lieutenant fire chief since June.

He leaves behind a wife and two children.

Lt. Fire Chief Louis Lamarche will take over as interim fire chief until the county finds another one.