07/01/2026
Turkey Heaven Volunteer Fire Department is proud to recognize Captain Jacob Long and Firefighter Jay Addison on successfully completing the Emergency Medical Technician – Basic (EMT-B) program through the Alabama Fire College and passing National Registry.
This accomplishment represents more than earning a certification—it demonstrates their commitment to serving the citizens of the Turkey Heaven Fire District with greater knowledge, skill, and compassion. Both members completed this rigorous program entirely on their own time as volunteers and initially paid for the course out of their own pockets, with reimbursement available through the Volunteer Rescue Student Tuition Program, a partnership between:
• State of Alabama
• Alabama Community College System
• Alabama Fire College
• University of South Alabama
• Alabama Association of Rescue Squads
• Alabama Association of Volunteer Fire Departments
• Association of Ambulance Services
Captain Long has been a member of Turkey Heaven VFD for four years. He is married with two children and serves as a Career Firefighter with Carroll County Fire Department. When asked why he pursued his EMT certification, Jacob shared: "I wanted to take it to further my volunteer and paid career and be able to provide better care to the citizens I serve."
Firefighter Addison has been a member of Turkey Heaven VFD for nearly one year. He is married with two children, is a local business owner, and serves part-time with Cleburne EMS. Jay explained his motivation by saying: "I wanted to take the class to learn more about the EMS field and to be able to assist with the increased efforts of care within the department and community when needed." Jay also plans to continue his education by beginning the Advanced EMT program this August.
Today, Turkey Heaven VFD is blessed to have a Paramedic, an Advanced EMT, and two EMT-Basics serving within our department along with almost 100% of the membership being at least trained to Emergency Care Provider. This continued investment in training strengthens our ability to provide high-quality emergency care to the citizens we proudly serve.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Cleburne EMS, the Alabama Fire College, AFC Regional Coordinator Rudy Rooks, and especially the families of Jacob and Jay for their encouragement, sacrifice, and support throughout this journey.
Fire Chief Patrick Nolen shared: "I couldn't be more proud of Captain Long and Firefighter Addison. Their dedication to improving themselves, entirely on their own time, speaks volumes about the kind of volunteers they are. Turkey Heaven VFD continues to grow stronger because of members who are willing to invest in their training and in the people they serve. We have some great things happening at Turkey Heaven VFD, and I'm excited to say there are even more exciting announcements coming in the future. The best is yet to come."
Please join us in congratulating Captain Jacob Long and Firefighter Jay Addison on this outstanding achievement! We are proud to serve alongside you and look forward to seeing the impact your dedication will have on our community.
(Pictured Left - Firefighter Jay Addison / Right - Captain Jacob Long)
