Greensboro Fire Fighter Dies Running Chicago Marathon

UPDATED October 12, 2011 -- It is with deepest regret and sorrow that the IAFF reports the death of Captain William Caviness, a member of Greensboro, NC Local 947. Brother Caviness, 35, died suddenly today while running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on behalf of the IAFF Foundation’s Burn Fund Fitness Team.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday October 15 at 1:00 p.m. at the Christ United Methodist Church, 410 N. Holden Rd, Greensboro, NC.

Greensboro Local 947 has also set up a memorial fund to benefit Caviness' family. Make checks payable to the Will Caviness Memorial Fund and send all donations to:

Greensboro Municipal Federal Credit Union
217 N. Greene Street
Greensboro, NC 27401

For the second consecutive year, the IAFF Foundation’s Burn Fund Fitness Team was competing in the marathon to raise awareness and funds for fire and burn prevention education, advocacy, burn research and to improve the quality of life for burn survivors. Caviness had raised about $2,500 before the race, and donations continue after news of his death. Caviness' family will receive the IAFF Medal of Honor.

IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger says, “On behalf of the 300,000 members of the IAFF, I extend our deepest condolences to the Caviness family. Brother Caviness was giving beyond his call to duty by supporting the IAFF Foundation’s Burn Fund. Throughout his career, Brother Caviness showed the true spirit of giving, especially helping those who needed it the most."

“We're just heartbroken,” Dave Coker, president of Local 947, told the Chicago Tribune. “Will was a competent company officer, a good father, a good husband and he spent his free time raising money for burn survivors.”

Caviness was also a member of the fire department’s honor guard, the water rescue team and urban search and rescue task force.

He is survived by his wife and two small children. The cause of death has not been determined.