GRASS VALLEY, Calif. April 22, 2026 – With great sadness, the Grass Valley Fire Department announces the passing of Firefighter Bill Wood on April 17, 2026, at the age of 85.
Bill joined the department in 1961 and quickly became a valued member of Company #1, rising to the position of Rescue Squad Captain. Bill began taking Fire Marshal courses through the California State Fire Marshal’s Office and through his dedication and commitment to community safety, he became the first Certified Volunteer Fire Marshal in California, proudly holding badge number 1.
Bill later served as Assistant Chief from 1973 to 1974 and retired after 23 years of service to the Grass Valley community.
Outside of the fire service, Bill worked for the United States Postal Service before purchasing and operating a Phillips 66 service station on South Auburn Street, continuing his tradition of serving the local community in another important way.
Bill and his wife, Sandy, later moved to Idaho, and eventually to La Pine, Oregon, to be closer to family.
A traditional bell-ringing ceremony will be held in his honor on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Race Street Fire Station.
The department welcomes those who wish to attend and join us in recognizing Bill’s service and legacy.