Volunteers Step Up to Protect and Save Lives, Says Lawrence County Executive David Morgan

In the days following Volunteer Firefighters Week, it is important to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the volunteers who selflessly protect and serve our community. Lawrence County is fortunate to have 12 volunteer fire departments operating under the Lawrence County Fire & Rescue umbrella.

These volunteers face a demanding workload on a daily basis. For example, on a particular Tuesday, calls ranged from a fire at a 40,000 square foot chicken barn to a car wreck in Henryville, a residential fire in Loretto, and reports of an unresponsive person in another part of the city. The day continued with responses to a person slumped over in a car in West Point, another wreck in New Prospect, and a medical call in the Crossroads area.

The volunteer fire departments collaborate closely with the fully staffed Lawrenceburg Fire Department, as well as the paid-per-call Loretto and St. Joseph fire departments. Cooperation extends beyond county lines, with neighboring fire units from Alabama and Center Point responding to various emergencies alongside the local volunteers.

It may come as a surprise to some, but many volunteer firefighters are also trained as career First Responders, equipped with skills such as Advanced EMT and Paramedic training. The rigorous requirements for VFD membership include extensive training in firefighting, emergency medical response, vehicle operation, and specialized rescue scenarios.

In addition to their training and emergency response duties, volunteers dedicate a significant amount of time to fundraising efforts. The costs associated with training, equipment, uniforms, and vehicles are substantial, making community support crucial for their operations.

To provide insight into the individuals behind the 12 volunteer fire departments in Lawrence County, here is a brief overview of each department, highlighting their members and leadership:

– Ethridge Fire Department, 25 members
– Henryville Fire Department, 19 members
– Center Point Fire, 7 members
– New Prospect Fire, 18 members
– West End Fire, 16 members
– Summertown Fire, 25 members
– Leoma Fire, 14 members
– West Point Fire, 11 members
– Iron City Fire, 10 members
– Gandy Fire, 25 members
– Southeast Fire, 19 members
– Crossroads Fire, 15 members

It is important to note that most volunteer firefighters juggle their firefighting duties with full-time jobs, emphasizing the need for additional volunteers to cover daytime shifts. The community is encouraged to support these dedicated individuals in any way possible to ensure the continued safety and well-being of all residents.

Crockett Chronicle Staff

The Crockett Chronicle editorial team provides accurate, fact-checked reporting on local government, education, public safety, and community events across Lawrence County and surrounding areas. Our reporting follows strict editorial standards, relying on verified sources, public records, and first-hand reporting when possible. We are committed to delivering reliable information to our community while upholding transparency and accountability in every article.

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