We are proud of the station we have been able to build that will last well into the future.”Baileyton Volunteer Fire Department Chief Zachary McGee
BAILEYTON – If you think the city of Cullman has a monopoly on state-of-the-art fire departments, you are sorely mistaken. Just a quick 15-mile drive north on Highway 69 and you will find the home of one of the closest-knit and safest fire departments in the county.
The Baileyton Volunteer Fire Department was formed in 1973 when a group of citizens who cherished their small town saw the need to provide fire protection for their community. Since then, they “have worked diligently to make it as beneficial to the residents of our community as possible,” shared Chief Zachary McGee.
When the department started, “they purchased a military surplus 5/4-ton truck and mounted a tank and pump on it for use as the first fire truck. It was initially housed in the shop of one of the original members. Upon construction of the Baileyton Town Hall, the fire department was moved into the basement of that building until the construction of a 4-bay station at the Baileyton Town Park in 1986.”
From there, the move was made in 2011 to the new station at 165 Fire Station Road where they have five bays, a safe room, expansive meeting area, full kitchen, a sleeping area for two people, offices and a lounge.
“It also houses a brush truck, medical response vehicle, fire engine, a water tanker and various other equipment. We also have a second, 3-bay station on County Road 1725 at Fletcher's Crossroads that currently houses a brush truck and a fire engine,” said McGee.
Currently operating with an 18-member roster, the department averages two to three calls per week; most of the emergencies are medical or rescue calls, with the rest being fire calls.
BVFD is always in need of new volunteers, and the department has long-term firefighters who provide invaluable mentorships with the younger members. Donald VanZandt, a veteran firefighter with the department since 1983, encourages new men and women to “learn as much as they can about the science of fire.”
On the other end of the spectrum, the newest member is Gabe Gentry, who joined last month. “He says he wanted to volunteer as a way to help the community and because of one of our other members telling him how much he enjoyed it,” shared McGee.
A quick look around their facility makes evident the pride shared by all 18 members of the department. “We are proud of the station we have been able to build that will last well into the future, and the quality equipment and apparatus we have been able to stock it with.”
McGee said, “We are proud of the fact that through the years we have never had a serious injury to any of our members while performing our duties.”
Anyone interested in the volunteer opportunities available within the department should attend their meetings, which are held on the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Station No.1 next to Baileyton Town Hall, or call the department at 256-796-2332.
