JONES CHAPEL, Ala. – The Jones Chapel Volunteer Fire Department (JCVFD) hosted its annual Community Day on Sunday, Sept. 8.
JCVFD’s Lindsey Bryant said, “Almost every table was full and people were lining the walls. It was a much larger crowd than our last community meeting.”
The day of communitywide fun began at 2 p.m. on the grounds of the JCVFD, with a community meeting to discuss the happenings, events and issues that the department is facing. The annual meeting creates an air of transparency for the department that is funded partially by taxpayer dues from its coverage area.
“We feel this meeting is important to be able to connect with our community and to help us feel more welcoming and approachable,” said Bryant. “But it also lets us share our accomplishments, goals and our budget, as well as recruit.”
After the meeting, lunch was shared with attendees, compliments of the department and neighboring fire department Bethsadia Volunteer Fire Department. Bethsadia’s chief Maurice Reynolds manned the grill for the burgers and dogs that were handed out to the community.
JCVFD had its rescue and emergency fleet out on display for the duration of the event, allowing residents to see firsthand the lifesaving equipment used in the area. Also on display was the department’s new special response trailer, a recently purchased multiuse piece of equipment purchased with funds procured by Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope.
“This trailer is multipurpose, serving as a command center, shelter from weather on a scene and rehab area for fire fighters and EMS on an emergency scene,” shared Bryant.
JCVFD’s smoke trailer was out and operational at the event in the hopes of educating the area’s little ones on how to escape a house fire with limited visibility. Trucks and equipment from Cullman EMS, Cullman Police, SWAT and CCSO, a law enforcement helicopter, Air Evac, the Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office and Alabama Forestry Commission were out and able to be explored and viewed, as these organizations are often first-hand partners with JCVFD when dealing with disasters, natural or otherwise.
Throughout the games of firehose races, cornhole, cake walks and dunking booths, JCVFD was able to raise $385 for its new Explorer Post, an endeavor meant to give a glimpse into the lives and work of EMS personnel to hopeful workers.
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