Chief Billy Anderson worked for the Talladega Fire Department 13 years, where he held the rank of chief for the final two years of his service. Chief Anderson was on the scene of a structure fire on February 18, 1974 where he was actively leading fire suppression efforts of his department. Chief Anderson climbed a ladder and entered a second story window of the structure to assist his firefighters. While inside the structure, Chief Anderson was overcome by smoke. Firefighters carried him to the ground where life-saving measures were initiated. He was transported to the local hospital where efforts continued, but were unsuccessful. Chief Anderson was 41 when he died in the line of duty.