CULLMAN, Ala. – The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) presented a grant check to each volunteer fire department in Cullman County Thursday evening at the Cullman County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments Association’s (CCAVFD) monthly meeting. Each department received $1,111.49.
The AFC’s Albert Mayo said the grant money is given by the Alabama Legislature to the AFC, which awards it statewide.
“The Alabama Forestry Commission passes it right on through to the volunteer fire departments,” he said. “It’s split up statewide evenly amongst all the fire departments that apply, or not actually apply, but are qualified, to receive the grant check.”
Mayo said the total amount of the grant varies each year.
“It depends on the amount of money that’s put in the pool as it passes through,” he said. “Then it’s divided. Sometimes you’ll lose a department or two, statewide three or four, and that’ll make it go up just a little bit.”
Along with the checks, Mayo read a letter from Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, who expressed her appreciation for the volunteer departments and their passion to protect their communities.
In association business, CCAVFD President Joe Golden, of Baileyton, reported that he attended an annual conference in Evergreen, where he learned there is more support for legislation for active volunteer firefighters to receive a tax credit. The credits would range from $200-$600 depending on certification level.
Golden said he was notified by the Cullman County Water Department that a fire department within the county was filling swimming pools without authorization. He said the water department told him it would not fine the fire department involved; however, it would make calculations and bill the households. Golden did not name the fire department involved.
“If you’re gonna fill pools,” he said, “make sure the owner’s got permission from the water authority.”
Logan Fire & Rescue Chief Toby Bates presented information on the new fire rescue boat for Smith Lake, Marine Two. The association said it will approach the Cullman County Commission about insurance which will allow all the fire departments to use the necessary equipment and boats.
To see a video of Thursday night’s meeting, visit www.facebook.com/CullmanTribune/videos/432360120825376/.
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