Franklin, TN – With deep sadness, the Franklin Fire Department announces the passing of retired Captain Bill Almon, who died on January 15 following a courageous battle with brain cancer. Captain Almon was diagnosed in late 2023 and retired in April 2025 after 27 years of dedicated service, most recently serving as Captain of Station 6 at 1061 Cool Springs Boulevard. He was 49 years old. Captain Almon is survived by his wife of 25 years, Jennifer, and their two sons, Jacob, 22, and Dylan, 13.

 

Service Arrangements

• The funeral will take place on Monday, January 19, at 11:00 AM at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, located at 3009 Columbia Avenue, Franklin, TN 37064.
• Visitation will be held Sunday, January 18, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and Monday, January 19, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, both at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home.

“Last Ride” Procession

• Immediately following the funeral service, at approximately 12:30 PM, a ceremonial “Last Ride” will honor Captain Almon’s life and service. His casket will be placed on Franklin Fire Engine 6 and carried on one final journey through the City of Franklin, including Public Square. Following the procession through Franklin, the escort will continue to Spring Hill for the graveside service. A map of the route is available HERE.
• Members of the public are invited to pay their respects along the route, and public safety agencies are invited to participate in the procession.
• Public safety agencies wishing to participate may contact Battalion Chief Michael Pardue at michaelp@franklintn.gov.
• The procession will be brief and is not expected to cause significant traffic impacts, particularly as January 19 is a holiday.

Graveside Service

• The graveside service will take place on Monday, January 19, from approximately 1:00 to 2:00 PM, at Spring Hill Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Cremation Services, located at 5239 Main Street, Spring Hill, TN 37174.

A Lifetime of Service

Throughout his distinguished career, Captain Almon exemplified professionalism, dedication, and service. Among his many accomplishments, he was named the Franklin Fire Department Fire Officer of the Year in 2023. In 2014, he received the Excellence Award as part of the fire investigation team whose work led to the successful conviction of an aggravated arsonist. Earlier in his career, in 2002, he earned the Stork Award for assisting in the delivery of a baby girl. Yet, despite these notable achievements, Captain Almon often said his greatest pride was not found in awards or titles, but in his family, whom he cherished above all else.

In addition to his service with the Franklin Fire Department, Captain Almon was a volunteer and Lifetime Member of Williamson County Fire/Rescue, where his fire service journey began in 1994. During his tenure with WCFR, he advanced through the ranks, serving as Captain at Station 23 on Thompson’s Station Road West before later being promoted to Assistant Chief, a testament to his leadership and lifelong commitment to serving others.

Captain Almon’s dedication to the fire service extended beyond the firehouse. He was a co-owner and operator of Fire-Tek for 11 years, a fire protection services company specializing in the design, installation, inspection, maintenance, and servicing of fire suppression systems and portable fire extinguishers. He was also a respected fire investigator and longtime member of both the Tennessee Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators and the National Association of Fire Investigators.

A graduate of Franklin High School, Captain Almon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University, further reinforcing his commitment to professional excellence.

Fire Chief Glenn Johnson reflected on his legacy, saying, “Above all, Captain Almon was a firefighter, fire officer, mentor, and friend to many. He represented the very best of the fire service, balancing a demanding career with a deep devotion to his family and loved ones. His leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to protecting others left a lasting mark on the Franklin Fire Department and the community we serve. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of service will never be forgotten.”

Read his full obituary HERE.

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