07/27/2026
As your community fire department, we are committed to serving our citizens with pride, professionalism, and dedication. Today, we are proud to be 14 members strong, including our Fire Chief and Captain. Every member shares the same commitment to protecting our community and continuing to build a department that our citizens can depend on.
Over the past year, we have worked diligently to build upon the strong foundation established by our previous Fire Chief Billy Glass and the leaders who served before him, and the countless volunteers who have answered the call through our doors over the years. While we may be a small volunteer fire department, our commitment to service is anything but small.
Despite operating with a limited budget, we have accomplished a great deal through careful stewardship and the outstanding support of our Mayor and Town Council. Together, we have been able to place a newer fire engine into service and acquire an annex building that now houses apparatus that previously had to remain outdoors. This facility also provides much-needed space to maintain our equipment and vehicles. Looking ahead, it is our hope to expand this building and eventually make it our primary fire station.
We have also replaced our aging rescue truck, thanks to the generous donation from the West Blount Fire District. In addition, our tanker has received a significant upgrade with a newer chassis donated by the Pine Mountain Fire & EMS District. We are incredibly grateful for these partnerships and their investment in the safety of our community.
While we celebrate these accomplishments, there is still much work to be done. Our former rescue truck, which now serves as our brush truck, has recently developed major engine problems. We are currently seeking a four-wheel-drive truck to replace it. If anyone knows of a fire department, business, or individual willing to donate a suitable vehicle, we would greatly appreciate your assistance.
We are also seeking volunteers with experience in electrical, HVAC, or plumbing work who would be willing to donate their time and expertise. The department will gladly provide all necessary materials; we simply need skilled individuals willing to help us continue improving our facilities. We will also be looking for an additional tanker to add to our fleet, that maybe another department is upgrading to a newer one they may be willing to donate, as most of our area does not have hydrants.
In the coming weeks, our department, along with many others throughout the county, will undergo our Insurance Services Office (ISO) inspection. Our members have been working tirelessly to ensure we are fully prepared, as maintaining a strong ISO rating directly benefits our community through improved fire protection and the potential for lower insurance premiums.
Our emergency medical services continue to provide Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) to our citizens, ensuring that advanced prehospital care is available when it is needed most, we have on staff 2 paramedics, several first responders , and currently 4 members in Emt-Basic with hopes to be NREMT/Alabama licensed.
Over the next few months, the department will be exploring a variety of fundraising initiatives to help purchase additional equipment that will enhance our ability to serve the community. Our priorities include acquiring a combustible gas detection unit, along with other essential tools and equipment that will improve the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of our emergency response capabilities.
Every dollar raised will be invested directly into strengthening our department and ensuring we are equipped to provide the highest level of service to the citizens we are honored to protect.
As always, we remain committed to serving our community with integrity, professionalism, and compassion. We are thankful for the continued support of our citizens, elected officials, neighboring departments, and the many volunteers who make our mission possible. Together, we will continue to grow, improve, and stand ready to answer the call whenever our community needs us.
Fire Chief Shane Hobson
