CULLMAN, Ala. – The Gold Ridge Volunteer Fire Department and the surrounding community on Saturday came together to celebrate the department’s fourth decade of service. The anniversary party featured free food, drawings for door prizes, a bounce house and train ride for the kids, a visit from the Air Evac helicopter and tours of the fire station and engines. The party saw a large community turnout and a lot of positive feedback.
Fire Chief Jerad Guthrie said the celebration was well-deserved by the volunteers, sharing, “We’ve got a good crew. Everyone pitches in together and we get things done.”
In 2018, the department responded to more than 300 emergency calls, the majority of which were medical emergencies. According to Guthrie, the station currently has two live-in volunteers so there is always at least one person immediately available to handle calls, and all volunteers are trained in basic lifesaving first aid to administer care while waiting for an ambulance.
While giving tours of the fire engines, the volunteers also gave advice on fire safety. They said that one thing structure fire victims should do is meet the firefighters when they arrive and give them the location of any natural gas shut-off valves, propane tanks, oxygen tanks or spare gas cans.
Guthrie shared that residents can also be proactive in fire prevention measures by making sure fire embers have been completely cooled before disposal. He advised using caution around fireworks and bonfires during dry or windy weather and to check the tank on a propane grill to make sure it’s completely closed, with no leaks.
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