Stanley Fire Department Mourns Loss of Brother, Friend and Humanitarian
STANLEY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA STATEMENT
October 30, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that our department must announce the passing of Firefighter Patrick Sandford.
Patrick joined the Stanley Volunteer Fire Department in March of 2022 and has been an excellent member. He was well-known around the firehouse for his smoked pork and making fellow members laugh.
While serving as Fire Captain in Charleston, SC, Patrick responded to the 2007 Super Sofa Store fire, which tragically claimed the lives of nine of his fellow firefighters.
After that event and what he himself had experienced, Patrick became an advocate for mental health in the fire service.
He received the Humanitarian Award from the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA) for his assistance in their mental health programs.
Patrick also volunteered his time to the Where Angels Play Foundation, a group that helped build Nick Winum’s Playground.
Please keep Patrick’s family, friends, and our department family in your thoughts and prayers during this time.
Thank you for your support for Patrick. It meant so much to him.
Captain Colin W. Huffman
Stanley Volunteer Fire Department
[EDITOR’S NOTE: Minor edits made for clarity]
According to Huffman, a Charleston, SC memorial service for Patrick was held in early November. A Page County memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Sandford’s full obituary may be viewed HERE.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Patrick’s honor to support two causes close to his heart: the Stanley Volunteer Fire Department or the Where Angels Play Foundation.
RELATED STORIES
WHSV - June 16, 2022
Playground to be built in honor of fallen Stanley Officer Nick Winum
PAGE VALLEY NEWS - June 5, 2023
Winum Playground dedicated at Hawksbill Park