Spotlight on local VFDs
TRIMBLE, Ala. – Cullman County is home to more than two dozen volunteer fire departments, all of which share the same mission of serving and protecting their communities. Operating with limited resources but a drive to serve, these departments are staffed by everyday people who give their time, skills and courage, with no pay.
“We’re all they have,” said Trimble Volunteer Fire Department Chief Adam Taylor. “If a house catches fire during the day in a rural area, and there are not many people around, you may see five to 10 departments respond just to make up the numbers.”
Departments in more rural areas of the county face severe personnel shortages, especially during the daytime, when most volunteers work full-time jobs.
Trimble VFD Assistant Chief Bruce Whitlock noted, “We average about 40% of the time with no one available to respond. Everybody’s working. That’s our biggest challenge — just getting the right people on scene when they’re needed.”
But the problem goes beyond just staffing. Training, equipment and facilities are all limited. Firefighter 160, a 160-hour training requirement, can be challenging to access in some areas. Taylor is certified to teach, drawing in volunteers from across the county to the Trimble fire station.
“We’ve got people from Fairview, Berlin — young guys, eager to learn. We’re proud to offer this training, not just for Trimble, but for the whole county,” he said.
While the department receives fire emergency calls, most calls are related to medical emergencies. Many volunteers are trained in first aid, CPR and AED use, some even holding advanced certifications.
“I’m a paramedic and a flight medic for Survival Flight,” said Taylor. “We go on everything — fires, medicals, lake rescues. The job’s different every day.”
Because Trimble is situated on Smith Lake, responders must be prepared to assist in emergencies on the lake. The department operates a dive team with two boats. It works strategically with other nearby VFDs like Crane Hill, which specializes in underwater scanning.
The Trimble VFD has 10 active volunteers, with four to five being trained for medical calls. The department needs more volunteers for firefighting, driving trucks, running water pumps, assisting EMTs or even helping with rehab services like bringing water and checking vitals on-scene.
“If someone’s got a bum knee and can’t swing an axe, that’s OK,” Whitlock said. “They can still drive a truck or help take blood pressure. Every role matters.”
The VFD is also seeking assistance around the station. The department is currently building living quarters and break rooms to support the staff. Carpenters, electricians and handypersons willing to donate their time would also be appreciated.
Residents interested in volunteering or supporting their local department can stop by their nearest fire station, especially in the evenings around the first Monday of each month. While many departments lack fully staffed offices or working phone lines, community members can find someone by visiting during training sessions or meetings. Background checks are required for all new volunteers.
“You’ve got to love your community,” said Whitlock. “That’s what this is about — neighbors helping neighbors.”
“It’s not about the pay,” added Taylor. “It’s about the people. And it’s incredibly rewarding.”
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