Safety & Health

Retired Macon-Bibb County, GA, Battalion Chief Recalls LODD Blaze, After a Decade

May 16, 2025

The 2015 house fire claimed the life of Macon-Bibb County Lt. Randy Parker and left Battalion Chief Stephen Stafford seriously hurt.

Susan Nicol

A firefighter, who suffered a career-ending injury at a house fire that claimed a colleague, remembers the incident like it was yesterday.

Former Macon-Bibb County Battalion Chief Stephen Stafford said things went south quickly within minutes of the operation a decade ago.

Several firefighters were trapped after the first floor collapsed, WMAZ reported.

Stafford said he removed his facepiece to communicate the Mayday and assisted with the rescue.

All except Lt. Randy Parker, a 20-year veteran with the department, survived.

Stafford, who suffered extensive burns and smoke inhalation, never returned to the job he loved.

“I said, ‘Lord, I want to stay longer to help raise my kids, my grandkids, and take care of my elderly mom.’”

He still suffers from PTSD.

“I can’t be around the fire stations very long. I get tight. I get a phobia."

About the Author

Susan Nicol | News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.