Fire Captain Andrew Todd Adams was born May 8th 1957 in Kinston North Carolina. Grew up and graduated from high school in Kinston, North Carolina. He attended Lenoir Community Collage and graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Psychology.

Todd joined the City of Durham Fire Department when public safety was separated into two separate departments.

Captain Adams was first diagnosed in November of 1995 after approximately six months of extensive and painful tests with Lou Gehrig's disease  (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Ironically, in the summer of that year he was award a physical fitness award by the fire department and was enjoying playing the best golf of his short life.

Captain Adams retired in February of 1996 afraid that his speech might endanger one of his fellow firefighters. He remained as active as he could until the fall of 1996 when he became wheelchair bound.

Todd fought his disease as bravely as he could and never lost his sense of humor, but his body could no longer fight and he died at 0730 on October 10, 1997. He was proud to have outlived the eighteen-month prognosis he was originally given.

Todd donated his eyes and brain and spinal cord to the Bryan Neurological Research center an Duke Medical Center in hopes that some good could come out of his death, and that research will hopefully find a cause, treatment and eventually a cure for ALS.

Captain Adams was known for his strong will and determination to fight whatever life dealt him.

Captain Adams is survived by his wife Joann, and children; Matthew, Nicholas and Natalie.

The members of the Professional Firefighters of Durham IAFF Local 668 (PFFD) in honor of Fire Captain Andrew Todd Adams have dedicated the PFFD scholarship, to bear his name in tribute to our fallen brethren.

The purpose of the Todd A. Adams scholarship is to provide financial assistance for all children of fire- fighters killed in the line of duty in the City of Durham, North Carolina, that are planning to attend a university, accredited college or other institution of higher learning.

Scholarships will also be awarded to the children of Local 668 members that are planning to attend a university, accredited college or other institution of higher learning.

Scholarship Rules

Scholarship Application Form