BAILEYTON, Ala. – The Baileyton Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) is celebrating its 50th anniversary and wants the community to participate in the festivities. On Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., the department will welcome everyone to Station 1 (165 Fire Station Road) for fellowship and free meals provided by the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office. There will be a water slide and bounce house for the kids and live music from local favorite Jesse Priest. Fire trucks and equipment will also be on display.
“We have had a small event for our members a few times around this time of year,” said BVFD Chief Zack McGee. “This being our 50th anniversary, we decided to host an event for the community.”
Since its founding 50 years ago by the Baileyton Booster Club, the department has grown exponentially.
McGee previously told The Tribune, “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 Baileyton Town Hall, the fire department was moved into the basement of that building until the construction of a four-bay station at the Baileyton Town Park in 1986.”
In 2011, the department upgraded to the new station at 165 Fire Station Road, which has 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 other equipment.
The department has a second, three-bay station on County Road 1725 that houses a brush truck and a fire engine, said McGee.
Some of the BVFD’s original firefighters include Troyce Hadley, Billy Fletcher, Bobby Martin, Bobby Murphree, Billy and Leon McElroy, James Harold Howell, C.O. Ewing and Ralph Walker, among others.
Baileyton fire chiefs through the years have included Hadley, Larry Farley, Horace Dover, Joe Golden and Mike Stapler.
McGee has been chief of the BVFD since 2016 and works diligently to connect with the community. He hopes everyone will come out Sept. 10 to help the department celebrate 50 years of service.
Anyone interested in volunteering with the BVFD can call 256-796-2332 or email baileytonvfd@gmail.com.
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