Dale fire fighters recognized

Thirteen fire departments each received over $1,000 in grant funds from Gov. Kay Ivey’s office during a meeting of the Dale County Association of Fire Departments July 11.

The fire departments recognized at the dinner meeting in Daleville were Skipperville, Ariton, Marley Mill, Ozark, Clayhatchee, Daleville, Level Plains, Pinckard, Newton, Napier Field, Midland City, Choctawhatchee, Echo and Ewell.

Each department received a check for $1,111. According to longtime Association President Wess Etheredge, the grant funds are generated by the five-cent tobacco tax and from a portion of property taxes with an allocation from the state legislature.

The funds are collected through the Alabama Forestry Association, divided equally to volunteer fire departments throughout the state of Alabama and distributed through the governor’s office. The Ozark department is not a volunteer fire department but is the recipient of the tobacco tax funds. 

Dale County Commissioners Steve McKinnon, Charles “Chic” Gary and Frankie Wilson joined Congressman Martha Roby’s representative Lori Williams, State Reps. Steve Clouse and Wes Allen and State Sen. Donnie Chesteen in thanking the volunteer fire fighters for their service to their communities and the county.

“I know there are a lot of folks all over Dale County thanking you for what you do,” Clouse told the fire fighters. “Over the past few years I know I’ve been singing the blues to you over our (state) budget situation but it’s eased up a little bit,” he said adding that he expects next year’s allocation checks to be some $500 more.

“I know y’all have a tough time not only with the budget process but with finding volunteers,” he added. “We cannot thank you enough for all you do.”

"I don't know what would happen if these volunteer departments weren't here,” Etheredge who has served as association president for 30 years, said as he surveyed the crowded room. “These guys and girls work hard to keep these departments going."