Fitzpatrick VFD
WHO WE ARE
SERVING FITZPATRICK, AL
SINCE 1989
We serve the residents of Fitzpatrick, Alabama with professional fire fighting, extraction, and EMS services. In addition, the Fitzpatrick Volunteer Fire Department supports neighboring fire departments and EMS organizations surrounding the area.
Charles May Receives Life Saving Award
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor is pleased to announce the recipients of the Agency’s Lifesaving, Purple Heart and other Distinguished Service Awards for heroic acts, outstanding performance and committed service to the citizens of and visitors to the state of Alabama.
Secretary Taylor said, “Our employees continuously display a servant’s heart through the acts of their sacrifice and selfless service; Troopers, Special Agents, as well as our non-sworn personnel, truly epitomize our Agency’s creed and mission. We have a duty to protect and serve the most vulnerable, especially during their times of greatest need, ensuring everyone receives assistance no matter the situation.”
During a ceremony held at ALEA Headquarters in Montgomery on Monday, Nov. 14, Secretary Taylor presented awards to 12 individuals, four with ALEA’s Highway Patrol Division, two from the Driver License Division, five with ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and one with ALEA’s Aviation Unit within the Protective Services Division. The remarkable stories were shared by Director of ALEA’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) Colonel Jimmy Helms, SBI Director Chris Inabinett and Chief Stephen Tidwell, who is over the Protective Services Division.
Director of ALEA’s DPS, Colonel Jimmy Helms said, “It was my privilege to recognize and honor those who went above and beyond to assist Alabama citizens in their darkest hour. Keeping people safe is our job, and I am truly grateful we were able to assist in saving the lives of these individuals.”
Read the full press release at: https://www.alea.gov/sites/default/files/inline-files/ALEA%20Distinguished%20Service%20Awards%20Nov.%2014%202022_.pdf
#ALEAProtects
Maybe you CAN fight fire with fire!
In honor of #FirePreventionWeek our #ForestWorkerSpotlight is on Jody McDonald, a Forest Ranger with the Alabama Forestry Commission.
Jody McDonald is 26 years old and grew up on a farm in Banks, Alabama. After graduating high school she began working full-time at the local hardware store where she had the opportunity to meet a lot of different people which eventually led her to a job in natural resources conservation. Growing up on a farm and spending the majority of her time outdoors, Jody fit naturally into an outdoors-focused job and began working at the Alabama Forestry Commission.
Jody’s most important responsibility as a forest ranger is fighting wildfires. When not doing that she is working to prevent wildfires by meeting with landowners to assist them in forest management practices, installing fire breaks, implementing prescribed burns, and performing general maintenance on equipment. All of the training Jody needs to work as a forest ranger was offered to her as on-the-job training, including obtaining her Commercial Driver’s License in order to haul firefighting equipment.
Through the Alabama Forestry Commission’s partnership with the US Forest Service Jody had the opportunity to travel out west and fight wildfires in New Mexico. We cannot thank Jody and all of the other first responders for their diligent work protecting the state of Alabama and the entire country.
When asked what advice she would give other young people thinking about pursuing a job in forestry Jody said “let your work ethic prove that you have a want-to attitude. You never know who is watching you work and what opportunities you will find that way”.
To learn more about careers as a forest ranger visit www.forestryworks.com
#ForestryWorks
In June of 1989 residents of Fitzpatrick met to discuss the need for a volunteer fire department. A board and officers were elected and the process began. Meetings were held with the Alabama Forestry Commission and we soon received a flat bed truck loaned to the fire department by Forestry. Volunteers worked day and night to create a fire truck. After many years and countless hours of fundraising our department is now equipped with superior equipment and well trained personnel. The fire department started with a ISO rating of 9 and has currently achieved the rating of 6. In 2022 the board of directors approved to find a location for a second fire station. A location in Shopton was donated and fundraising began. In October 2022 a down payment was paid and the building ordered. Grand opening of Station 2 will be announced in the future.
