Frequently Asked Questions
I do not have any training in firefighting or emergency medical training. Will it be provided?
Yes, in-house training is performed frequently. If you demonstrate enough interest and desire to continue with the department, formal fire academy training can be provided. The same goes for EMT-Basic training. However, you pay for your class, and provided you successfully complete EMT-Basic school, the department will reimburse you.
What does it mean to be a Volunteer Firefighter?
Volunteer firefighting is just that, volunteering. We all carry a portable radio to talk to Morgan County 911’s Central Dispatch. This radio will start to beep when we have to respond to an emergency or be informed of something important. Depending on the type of emergency we are responding to, we will go to the fire station (fires, car accidents, large scale emergencies) or go straight to the scene (medical calls). We all have been issued our own set of firefighting gear to wear to keep us warm and safe. When the emergency has been handled, we bring the emergency vehicles back to the station, and return to the activities we left when the radio went off. Volunteer firefighting means being ready to support the community 24/7.
How much of my time is involved?
Being it is a volunteer fire department, you can give as much or as little time as you are capable of giving. We understand people have personal lives and have to work to support themselves and their families. We try to impact as little personal time as possible. We have training / meetings on Tuesday nights. Occasionally, there is other beneficial training at other fire departments at other times of the week. We also provide coverage for the horse shows and football games, show off in parades, and do fire safety training at local schools. The last part is responding to emergencies which can occur at any time. Obviously, if you provide more time, it is appreciated.
Are there a lot of fires to be fought?
Actually, over the years, the fire department’s role in the community has expanded to cover a lot more than just fire. Firefighters have become more highly trained in hazardous materials, medical emergencies, natural & man-made disasters, and technical rescues. Fighting fire is now a small portion of our responsibilities.
What about me? How am I compensated?
Being a volunteer, there are no pay checks. Starting in 2024, volunteer emergency responders were given a tax credit of up to $600 to be filed with your Alabama State taxes.
What we can offer is free training that can be used to save a life. Some get the peace of mind knowing they make a positive difference in the world around them. Another benefit is the social networking with the fine members of the community.
Wait, wait, there was something mentioned about a Fire Explorer program…
We have plans of rebooting a Fire Explorer program sponsored through the Boy Scouts of America/Learning for Life and a Junior Firefighter program through the National Volunteer Fire Council.
Unfortunately, due to Alabama state laws, as well as insurance policies, minimum age to be with the fire department is 18.
What is required of someone wanting to volunteer?
First, you need to live within the Priceville fire response area. That very roughly covers Highway 67 from portions of Indian Hills Road to Still Meadow Road, from Upper River Road to Natural Bridge Road, and parts of Bethel Road going towards Hartselle. There are a few more areas. If you are curious, just come by and ask!
You need to be at least 18 years of age to respond to emergency scenes. We will gladly have all ages: the younger to pass the proverbial torch to, the older to give us their wisdom.
After you turn in an application, the department holds it until our next business meeting at which the members vote you in. The department also reserves the right to perform a background check prior to letting you join.
If you have a positive, can-do attitude and meet the above requirements, we look forward to meeting you! Man, woman, young, old, there is a place for you. Come and see us on Tuesday nights at Station 1 on Bethel Road. Meetings start around 7:00 PM. Show up early and meet the crew!
If you want to get in touch with us, click on the link in the menu bar that says “Contact Us“.