Robert Gallardy had 30 years of experience as a fireman and four as a state fire instructor. Colleagues told us that in almost every situation, he was the go-to guy. But something went wrong this weekend and after a live fire exercise, Gallardy was found unconscious on the basement floor of the training building.

Gallardy suffered burns over 75 percent of his body, and was in critical condition for two days before dying Tuesday morning.

There are many questions. One is how Gallardy ended up on that basement floor. State Fire Commissioner Ed Mann was on hand for a press conference Wednesday morning. Mann says roll call is taken between every exercise but admits the instructor candidates who found Gallardy weren't looking for him. Mann didn't go into much detail. An autopsy is being performed. In addition, they haven't found any records showing previous medical conditions Gallardy may have had and he was actually in charge of the physical fitness of the Altoona Fire Department.

Some of the Academy's classes have been temporarily cancelled and O.S.H.A. has launched a full investigation. A viewing for the late Captain will be held at Stevens Mortuary Saturday and Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9. The funeral will be Monday morning at 10 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Altoona.