Vestavia Hills Fire Department

09/01/2026

09/01/2026

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department would like to introduce our newest member to the family, Firefighter Jordan Conlon.

Firefighter Conlon comes to us with a great level of experience and a strong background in the fire service. He attended Recruit School at the Over the Mountain Training Facility/Alabama Fire College in 2020 and earned his NREMT-Paramedic certification two years ago.

Fire/Medic Conlon served two years with the Rocky Ridge Fire Department before most recently spending two years with the Trussville Fire Department. He is also a member of the Center Point Fire Department, where he has proudly served for more than five years.

Jordan is assigned to B-Shift at Station 2 on Columbiana Road, where he will serve the south side of the City.

We are excited to have Jordan join the Vestavia Hills Fire Department family and team. We look forward to seeing all that he will bring to our department and the community we serve.

WELCOME ABOARD, JORDAN!!

08/26/2026

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department would like to introduce another one of our newest members to the family, Firefighter Walt Peacock!

Firefighter Peacock began his career in 2004 as a Student Firefighter with the Auburn Fire Department while attending Auburn University.

Upon graduating in 2006, he joined Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service as a firefighter.
His career with Birmingham Fire spanned 20 years, where he served as a Firefighter, Apparatus Operator, and Lieutenant.

Throughout his 22 years in the fire service, he has earned numerous certifications across the rescue technician and apparatus operation disciplines, further developing his passion for the job and his ability to problem-solve.

Firefighter Peacock is looking forward to continuing his professional development and beginning Paramedic training soon.

He has found his home assigned to Engine 5, “The Pride of the Heights,” serving the Cahaba Heights community. If you see the truck backing into the station, don’t be surprised if you see Firefighter Peacock run across the street to Doodles to high-five the kids and pass out helmets!

Walt, we’re proud to have you as part of the Vestavia Hills Fire Department family!

WELCOME ABOARD!!

08/25/2026

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department would like to introduce another one of our newest members to the family, Firefighter John Loper.

Firefighter Loper comes to us with a unique and interesting career background prior to entering the Fire Service. He worked as a videographer serving in ministry. While serving, he began pursuing his firefighting requirements and certifications.

Loper attended the Regional Training Institute (RTI), earning his NREMT-Basic certification in 2024. He then self-sponsored his firefighter training at the Alabama Fire College, earning his Firefighter certification in November 2025.

Firefighter Loper is currently enrolled at RTI, where he is working toward obtaining his Paramedic certification.

Outside of the Fire Service, Loper continues to serve at Encounter Church as a photographer and videographer.

Firefighter Loper is assigned to C-Shift at Station 4, where he proudly serves the Liberty Park community.

Please join us in welcoming John Loper to the Vestavia Hills Fire Department family! We are excited to have him on board and look forward to watching him continue to grow in his career.

WELCOME ABOARD!!

08/23/2026

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department would like to introduce another one of our newest members to the family, Ryan Gackle!

Ryan comes to us with an impressive career résumé and a wealth of valuable life experiences outside of the fire service. He is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s degree in Exercise Physiology.

While at UNC, Ryan excelled both academically and athletically. His accomplishments include being named Top Graduating Senior in 2015, earning Dean’s List honors, and being named Big Sky Academic All-Conference from 2011–2015. He was also a Middle Linebacker and Defensive Captain for U of NC football and competed in rugby as a Middle Row/Lock.

Ryan’s professional career includes serving as an Assistant Olympic Strength Coach at the University of Northern Colorado, Head Coach for IronTribe Fitness and OTM Fitness, Program Director for Pro/Collegiate Athletes at Godspeed Fitness, and Strength & Conditioning Coach for Spain Park High School.

Ryan is excited to begin his career in the fire service and take on the unique challenges it brings. He is especially looking forward to the teamwork and team-oriented environment of the fire service—something he has been accustomed to throughout his life.

Since joining VHFD, Ryan has completed his NREMT-Basic and Advanced certifications and is currently attending Paramedic School. Next month, he will begin Recruit School at the Alabama Fire College’s Over the Mountain Training Facility.

Gackle is assigned to C-Shift at Station 1— on top of the hill!

WELCOME ABOARD, RYAN!!!

08/22/2026

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department would like to introduce another one of our newest members to the family, Fire / Medic Kaylen Price!

Fire / Medic Price comes to us with a strong family firefighting lineage and a passion for serving others.

Kaylen graduated from Corner High School in 2020. During her senior year, she began participating in the Center Point Fire Department’s Explorer Program, where she served for three years.

After graduation, Kaylen worked in the Emergency Department at UAB Hospital for two years while pursuing her Paramedic certification. She attended the Regional Training Institute (RTI) and earned her NREMT-Paramedic certification in January 2025.

Kaylen began her career with the Center Point Fire Department in November 2024 and earned her Firefighter Certification in 2025 through the Alabama Fire College’s Over the Mountain Training Facility. She continues to serve concurrently with the Center Point Fire Department.

Fire / Medic Price is assigned to Station 1, C-Shift — at the top of the hill!

Please join us in welcoming Kaylen to the Vestavia Hills Fire Department family!

WELCOME ABOARD!!

08/20/2026

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department would like to introduce another one of our newest members to the family, Kyle Chapman!

Kyle comes to the Vestavia Hills Fire Department with valuable experience outside of the fire service. After graduating from Dora High School, he attended Wallace State, where he earned multiple certifications and an Associate’s Degree in Diesel Technology. Kyle then spent four years with Alabama Power as a Diesel Technician.

Chapman is also a member of Sumiton Fire and Rescue. He recently completed his NREMT-Basic certification at Bevill State and will begin Recruit School next month at the Alabama Fire College’s Over the Mountain Training Center.

Kyle is assigned to B-Shift at Station 4, proudly serving our 🗽 Liberty Park Community.

WELCOME ABOARD, KYLE!!

08/19/2026

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department is proud to introduce another one of our newest members to the family, Fire/Medic Blake Schwab!

After graduating from Tallassee High School in 2019, Firefighter Schwab completed Recruit School with the Auburn Fire Department, where he proudly served for six years.

Firefighter Schwab is a certified firefighter and Nationally Registered EMT-Paramedic, along with holding numerous specialty certifications.

He is assigned to B-Shift at Station 3, located next to Vestavia Hills High School.

Please join us in welcoming Fire/Medic Blake Schwab to the Vestavia Hills Fire Department family!

WELCOME ABOARD, FIREFIGHTER SCHWAB!

08/18/2026

The Vestavia Hills Fire Department would like to introduce another one of our newest members to the family, Firefighter Robert McGruder!

Firefighter McGruder comes to us with an impressive résumé and extensive background in the fire service. Upon graduating from high school, he began volunteering with Fultondale Fire and Rescue. In 2005, he began his professional career with Birmingham Fire and Rescue, where he served for 20 years and retired at the rank of Lieutenant. During his career, he was assigned to Station 1 Downtown and served on their Heavy Rescue Team.

Firefighter McGruder is a certified firefighter with multiple specialty training designations and is a Nationally Registered EMT-Basic. He will also begin Paramedic school this fall.

Firefighter McGruder is assigned to B-Shift at Station 4, proudly serving our 🗽 Liberty Park community.

WELCOME ABOARD!!