March 8, 2026 — The Burlington Fire Department has announced the passing of retired Assistant Fire Marshal William “Billy” Sears, marking the loss of a dedicated and historic member of the department. Appointed on July 26, 1970, AFM Sears served the department with distinction for more than 43 years, retiring on May 25, 2014. Throughout his career, he became the longest-serving member in the department’s history, leaving a lasting impact on generations of firefighters and the community he faithfully served. Department officials expressed their condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, noting the profound influence he had during his decades of service. Additional details regarding memorial arrangements are expected to be released at a later time.