CULLMAN, Ala. – Former Cullman Fire Rescue Acting Chief David Munger passed away Dec. 14 at the age of 64, his legacy leaving an impact on the community.
Munger’s brother, James Munger, recently spoke with The Tribune about the love his brother had for his city, career and family.
“David was not only my brother, but a peer in the field of fire protection,” James Munger said. “He began his career with Cullman Fire Rescue in 1978 about a year after I joined the department. I left the department in 1980 to join the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office, but David remained with the department rising through the ranks, serving as the division chief for training and finishing his career serving as the acting chief of the department.”
Munger said his brother truly believed in education and was one of the first firefighters to earn an Associate Degree in Fire Science at Wallace State Community College.
“He continued his education by attending numerous classes at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland, including classes in the Executive Fire Officer Program,” Munger said. “During his tenure as the division chief for training he was instrumental in the department obtaining its first rescue engine and expanding the department’s response capabilities. He oversaw improvements in the fire department training programs, and as acting fire chief worked to have the first money budgeted for EMT/Fire Responder training.”
Munger said his brother faced significant challenges both inside the department and in city government from those who opposed changes to the “status quo.”
“After his ‘retirement,’ I was honored to have him join me in our fire protection consulting firm,” he said. “He continued his professional career by providing expert work in all aspects of fire protection, including investigation, building inspections and plan review. He provided expert testimony in numerous fire protection cases. He also became an active member of the local Johnson’s Crossing Volunteer Fire Department and was instrumental in the construction of a new headquarters station for the department.”
Munger said his brother was more than a leader – he was a light.
“He made a positive and lasting impact in fire protection both at the departments and later in the private sector,” he said. “He remained an active member of Johnson’s Crossing and worked until health issues forced his retirement. His commitment and contributions to the fire and emergencies services was reflected in that (retired) Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper and Cullman Fire (Rescue) Chief Brian Bradberry attended his memorial service.”
Munger said he wanted to personally thank the two men for honoring his brother and peer for his service.
Bradberry said he would love to have known Chief David Munger, but unfortunately Bradberry began his career at Cullman Fire Rescue after Chief Munger’s tenure.
“I can say we stand on the shoulders of those that come before us, and we appreciate his dedicated service and leadership in our fire department and the community,” Bradberry said. “We are praying for peace and comfort for the Munger family and friends.”
Culpepper said Chief Munger was a progressive voice in public safety and a visionary.
“He helped lay the groundwork for where the city is today,” Culpepper said. “It was a privilege to have worked with him.”
James Munger said his brother’s greatest joy came from his role as grandfather.
“Before becoming a member of the fire service, he took on hobbies that turned into businesses,” he said. “He became involved with photography and later opened his own camera shop. He loved cooking, working in his garden, woodworking – but his greatest joy came from his three grandkids. He was most proud of his grandson Mac and his two granddaughters Eleanor and Matilda.”
