New assistant fire chief makes department changes

After serving seven years with the Daleville Department of Public Safety, Robert Jackson has risen through the ranks to become the fire department's new assistant fire chief.

Jackson, who served as a reserve police officer, SWAT team medic, emergency medical technician and volunteer firefighter for the department, was selected recently after Lt. Jerry Sapp resigned last month.

"I'm honored to do the job," Jackson said. "I like to give back to the community."

Jackson, a Radcliff, Ky., native, comes from a long-line of firefighters, which he said sparked his interest in the field.

"It's in my blood," he said.

Jackson, who also works as a full-time firefighter on Fort Rucker, has had a career in firefighting for nearly 15 years.

His career started in 1999 as a volunteer firefighter for the Radcliff Fire Department, where he earned a Lifesaving Commendation Medal and later became paid-personnel.

In 2004, Jackson left the Radcliff Fire Department to work as a government civilian firefighter with the Fort Knox Fire Department.

Three years later Jackson joined the Fort Rucker Fire Department where he earned Firefighter of the Year in 2011. The same year Jackson joined Fort Rucker, he also joined Daleville's Department of Public Safety. 

Next month, Jackson said he is also expecting to complete his bachelor's degree in fire science administration.

With the knowledge and experience he's gained as a firefighter, Jackson said he's working on making the Daleville Fire Department more efficient and more effective for the residents.

"We're looking at modernizing our equipment (and) upgrading to equipment we've never had before," he said.

Jackson said making these changes, not only increases the department's ability to better serve the community, but will also help raise the ISO rating, which in turn lowers homeowner's insurance.

"That's the direction we're going in," he said. "It's just making this department worthwhile."

Since taking over as assistant fire chief, Jackson has made several changes to the department.

He's upgraded the hoses to a large diameter five-inch hose line and has modernized the hand tools and equipment.

He's also put a new rescue truck back in use. Jackson said the department purchased the vehicle in 2012 and it was rarely used.

The rescue truck now holds extraction tools and medical supplies for the use of vehicle extractions, medical emergencies and vehicle fires.

Jackson said he's also working with Five Points' JMCM Consultants on a Regional Communications grant for the state's new digital communications system, which allows all agencies to communicate under one system in the state, as well as a grant for a new pumper.

"What that does for us, is increase our communications capabilities with all our surrounding communities — Fort Rucker, Ozark, Enterprise and Dothan," Jackson said.

The department currently has separate radios to communicate with the different agencies.

Jackson said he’s also added 12 new volunteers to the force.

Currently, the Daleville Fire Department has 15 volunteer firefighters, as well as 25 police officers who are paid personnel and trained in fire service. However, the department is always taking applications to add more volunteers.

"We're looking to expand," Jackson said. "I've got plenty of equipment. All I need is willing and able bodies."

Next month, Level Plains, Daleville and Clayhatchee are joining forces to offer a volunteer firefighter certification course. Those who attend will be able to take emergency care provider, volunteer firefighter 1, volunteer firefighter 2 and apparatus operator pumper classes.

Along with certification, volunteers for the Daleville Fire Department must also have a valid Alabama driver’s license and be at least 19 years old.

For more information on the certification course or to become a volunteer firefighter, contact Jackson at 598-4442.