On the move: preemption devices guarantee green lights for Cullman Fire Rescue
Cullman Fire Rescue Chief Edward Reinhardt, Jr.
CULLMAN - When firefighters respond to a call, especially in town, they run a gauntlet of other vehicles in trucks that aren’t designed to be nimble. They have to be both safe and fast. In addition to extensive...
Victim in Tuesday morning’s fatal shooting in Baileyton ID’d
BAILEYTON - The victim in Tuesday morning's fatal shooting in the community of Baileyton has been identified as Johnathan Andrew Smith, 34, of Blountsville, according to Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick.
Smith was shot when he and another individual, who has not been apprehended...
BREAKING NEWS: Authorities on scene of shooting in Baileyton
UPDATE 11:40 A.M.
The Cullman County Sheriff's Office confirms that they have cleared both crime scenes at this time, but that the investigation is ongoing. They believe that the driver of the vehicle has left the area.
Here's what we know from Sheriff Matt Gentry:
"We believe...
ALEA: speed, alcohol factors in Tuesday night’s fatal car crash in Trimble
TRIMBLE - Although the circumstances surrounding the head-on collision that killed a mother and daughter Tuesday night in Trimble are still under investigation, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) said today that their preliminary investigation indicates speed and alcohol were factors in the crash.
The...
Mother, daughter ID’d as victims in Tuesday night crash
UPDATE: 3-29-17 1:30 P.M. http://www.cullmansense.com/articles/2017/03/29/alea-speed-alcohol-factors-tuesday-nights-fatal-car-crash-trimble
TRIMBLE - A head-on collision Tuesday night near the 8000 block of County Road 813, close to the entrance of Smith Lake Park, has left a mother and daughter dead. Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick early Wednesday morning confirmed...
Hanceville Fire Chief: J.B. Pennington fire finally out
The scene on Tuesday morning
HANCEVILLE - In a phone call to Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail around 6 p.m. Thursday evening, Hanceville Fire Department (HFD) Chief Roger Green announced that the fire that started early Tuesday morning at J.B. Pennington High School in Blountsville is...
Cullman County firefighters called to help fight Blount County blaze
BLOUNTSVILLE - Around 5:15 Tuesday morning, Blount County firefighters were dispatched to investigate a fire at J.B. Pennington High School in Blountsville. A short time later, departments from Blountsville, Locust Fork, Susan Moore, Brooksville, Royal, Summit and Nectar were on the scene, battling a...
Cullman Fire Rescue firefighters and EMTs help train future medical professionals at CHS
CULLMAN - Members of Cullman Fire Rescue, both firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) recently had the opportunity to help train Cullman High School Medical Professional Academy (CHSMA) students in the proper placement of IVs. The group was led by Lt. Gary Mikus.
“Special thanks...
Vinemont woman perishes in early morning fire
VINEMONT - An early morning house fire claimed the life of a Vinemont woman. The incident happened at approximately 2 a.m. Tuesday on County Road 1367 in the Vinemont community.
Rebecca Self, 45, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Cullman County Coroner Jeremy...
Victim in Sunday night’s fatal collision in Berlin ID’d
Updated 3/13 8:56 a.m.
BERLIN - The victim in Sunday night's fatal traffic collision at U.S. Highway 278 East and County Road 747 has been identified. Donnie Ray Hardiman, 65, of Arley was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L....
Fatal traffic incident at Hwy. 278 and County Road 747
BERLIN - A fatal traffic incident occurred tonight at the intersection of U.S. Highway 278 East and County Road 747 in the Berlin community.
The three-vehicle incident happened at approximately 6:45 p.m.
The roadway is closed to traffic at this time.
The Berlin Volunteer Fire Department, Cullman...
Driven to be better: Local emergency responders practice driving techniques in advanced computer simulators
Cullman Fire Rescue Division Chief Brian Bradberry stands outside the simulator
CULLMAN - It takes more than a driver’s license and a badge to drive an emergency vehicle. It takes lengthy training (Cullman firefighters will be on the job for three years before they even...
Hanceville man killed in motorcycle crash Sunday
Updated 3/5/17 7:16 p.m.
LOGAN - A Hanceville man was killed late Sunday morning after the 1991 Kawasaki motorcycle he was driving collided head on with a 2003 Chevrolet pickup truck on County Road 813 in the Logan community.
Joseph Lee Gregory, 20, of Hanceville was...
CCSO sergeant treated and released after suspect hits, drags him under vehicle
GOOD HOPE - Cullman County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Sgt. Daniel Cummings was treated and released from Cullman Regional today, following a scary incident in which he was hit and dragged by a vehicle, according to Sheriff Matt Gentry.
"Sgt. Cummings was responding to a call,"...
Grass fire threatening structure on Hwy 69 N
UPDATE: 2:40 p.m. Cullman Fire Rescue is reporting that the fire has been brought under control. Multiple vehicles, between 7-8, were burned, according to CFR Public Information Officer Brian Bradberry. The fire also threatened an LP tank and caught a power pole on fire.
"Our...
Cullman County EMA issues new emergency plan for Smith Lake Dam
CULLMAN COUNTY - The Cullman County Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) has issued an updated evacuation plan for areas of the county that could be affected by a catastrophic failure of, or high-volume discharge from, Smith Lake Dam (Lewis Smith Dam). It should be noted...
Fire department hot topic for Garden City council
GARDEN CITY - A large portion of the Garden City Town Council meeting this week focused on the town’s volunteer fire department and services. Of concern is that many of the people who live outside the town’s limits, yet still in the Garden City...
Victim in Tuesday night’s fiery crash ID’d
GARDEN CITY - The victim in Tuesday night's fiery, fatal crash in Garden City has been identified. David Rouse, 32, of Cullman County, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick.
According to reports, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Rouse...
Authorities thwart presumed stalker; high-speed chase ends in life-threatening injuries
CULLMAN COUNTY - Local authorities were involved in a multi-county vehicle pursuit early Friday morning, and it ended in the suspect allegedly wrecking his vehicle intentionally on I-65 north. But Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry believes it could have been a lot worse.
"At about...
New, expansive search for Jordan Lee Wilson begins Saturday morning
Jordan Lee Wilson was last seen by family and friends on May 15, 2016.
BREMEN - Saturday morning, a group of approximately 40-45 people will gather at Rices Chapel Baptist Church in Bremen to begin a new, expansive search for Jordan Lee Wilson, the local...
After months of turmoil, peace, as Bethsadia Volunteer Fire Department gets back to business
Kenneth Dees speaks with new Board Treasurer Butch Cupp and his wife after the meeting
BETHSADIA - The Bethsadia Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) board held its regular monthly meeting on Thursday evening. Much of the discussion centered on the results of a special called meeting...
SBI and state fire marshal leading investigation into Wednesday night’s fatal fire
CULLMAN - The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency's (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation, along with the Alabama State Fire Marshal, are now leading the investigation into Wednesday night's fatal house fire in Cullman. Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick late tonight officially identified Francis "Frank"...
UPDATED: Man who barricaded himself in home with gasoline confirmed deceased by CPD
Feb. 1, 2017 at 10:42 p.m. See updated article at: http://www.cullmansense.com/articles/2017/02/01/sbi-and-state-fire-marshal-leading-investigation-wednesday-nights-fatal-fire
UPDATED Feb. 1, 2017 at 6:38 p.m.
Sadly, CPD Chief Kenny Culpepper has confirmed that Frank Kane, the man who barricaded himself in his home with gasoline, has died.
"It didn't end the way we wanted...
Hanceville Fire Department begins course for volunteer firefighters
Instructor Ryan Whisenhunt, in red, explains CPR using an infant training mannequin.
HANCEVILLE - The Hanceville Fire Department (HFD) recently started a new class for volunteer firefighters seeking state certification. The classes meet every Tuesday and Thursday evening, and one Saturday per month. They have...
2-car collision at Hwy. 91 and CR 783 injures 4
Updated 1-26-17 11:56 a.m.
HOLLY POND - A two-car collision at Alabama Highway 91 and County Road 783 early Thursday morning sent two people to area hospitals.
Emergency responders from Holly Pond, Walter and Berlin worked the scene, where, according to County Dispatch, four people were...
State mortuary response team unveils new technology at training event in Cullman
Phong Ngo and Adam Grooms review 3D image data from the drone.
CULLMAN - The State Mortuary Operations Response Team (SMORT) held a training event at the Cullman County Fairgrounds at Sportsman Lake this week, led by SMORT Commander Doug Williams and Cullman County Emergency...
Annual EMS chili cook-off will benefit area toddler battling cancer
CULLMAN - Cullman Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is hosting their second annual Cullman County Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, Feb. 25.
The event, which pits teams of local emergency responders against each other, is all about friendly competition, fellowship and a chance to meet the members...
Hanceville man killed in overnight motorcycle crash
Updated 1-12-17 at 9:04 p.m.
HANCEVILLE - A Hanceville man was killed in the early morning hours of Thursday, Jan. 12 when the motorcycle he was driving left the roadway, according to Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick.
Micheal Joseph Yeager, 31, was pronounced dead at...
(Updated) Crash at Hwys. 278 and 157, Air Evac called
Updated Jan. 12, 8:56 a.m.
BERLIN - A two-car collision occurred at the intersection of U.S. Highway 278 East and Alabama Highway 157 this evening, and one driver was airlifted to Huntsville Hospital.
The crash happened at approximately 6 p.m. when a white Nissan Maxima, traveling...
(Updated) Point of View: Bethsadia firefighter and board member Alan Edwards
BETHSADIA - After the turmoil of the last month within the Bethsadia Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) came to a very public head yet again Thursday night, fire department Board member and newly-appointed Assistant Chief Alan Edwards asked to speak to the Tribune, to share...
Bethsadia Volunteer Fire Department Board meets: special election rejected, chairman resigns
BETHSADIA - On Thursday evening, the Bethsadia Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) Board held the meeting that had been highly anticipated since last month's controversial meeting following the mass resignation of seven firefighters.
This meeting was much shorter than December's, as the floor was not opened...
Collision at Hwys. 278 and 31 downtown results in motorcyclist being airlifted to Huntsville
CULLMAN - A two-vehicle traffic incident tonight in downtown Cullman resulted in injuries, according to the Cullman City Police Department (CPD). The crash occurred at the intersection of U.S. Highway 31 and U.S. Highway 278 at approximately 5:55 p.m.
Said CPD Lt. Jeff Warnke, "A...
Drivers ID’d in Monday night’s deadly collision in Johnson’s Crossing; support pouring in for family of man killed
JOHNSON'S CROSSING - A Hanceville man died last night in a three-vehicle incident on U.S. Highway 31 near Johnson's Crossing. Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick identified the victim as Steven Parris, 56.
According to troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), the crash...
1 dead, 2 injured in multi-vehicle traffic incident near Johnson’s Crossing
UPDATED 1/2/17 8:55 p.m.
Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick has identified the victim in tonight's fatal car crash as Steven Parris, 56, of Hanceville.
JOHNSON'S CROSSING - A multi-vehicle traffic incident tonight just north of Johnson's Crossing killed one person and sent two to...
Early morning fire guts home near Cullman Middle School
CULLMAN - An early-morning house fire near Cullman Middle School resulted in a total loss of the structure, but no fatalities or injuries, according to Cullman Fire Rescue Chief Edward Reinhardt, Jr.
The fire occurred at approximately 6:20 a.m. at 109 Eighth St. NE, which...
Update: Bethsadia Volunteer Fire Department
Bethsadia VFD Chief Buddy Carden, member Cody Bice and Assistant Chief Maurice Reynolds at the Dec. 1 board meeting
BETHSADIA - After a mass resignation of seven firefighters and EMTs on Nov. 28, a tense Dec. 1 Bethsadia Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) board meeting ended...
Home in Simcoe fire a “total loss”
SIMCOE - A house fire on County Road 1635 in the Simcoe community resulted in a total loss of the structure this afternoon. Fortunately, no one was home at the time of the blaze.
"This was a structure fire, but no one was in the...
Local fire officials encourage fire safety at Christmas
Cullman Fire Marshal Chris Chaffin talks fire safety.
CULLMAN - As we approach Christmas, Cullman County fire officials are encouraging citizens to be aware of the unique safety challenges this season brings. Homes often see more clutter, more activity around fireplaces, more cooking, more electrical...
Emotions run high at Bethsadia VFD board meeting
Bethsadia VFD Chief Buddy Carden and former assistant chief Maurice Reynolds agree to meet Saturday.
BETHSADIA - On Thursday evening the board of the Bethsadia Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) met amid high department and community tensions over the recent mass resignation of seven members, including...
(Updated) Huge brush fire burning in Bremen area
Updated 5:44 p.m. According to Cullman County Fire and EMS Dispatch, there are eight departments still on the scene battling the fire; however, "It is contained at this time."
High winds are keeping the fire active, but firefighters are hopeful that the impending rains will...
Hanceville PD to get new patrol vehicles
HANCEVILLE - Recently, the Hanceville City Council approved its new budget. Among the items included are eight new patrol vehicles for the Hanceville Police Department: a modified Ford Explorer for each full-time patrol officer in the department. The total cost of the new fleet,...
Mass resignation at Bethsadia VFD, leaving area with no EMS or active certified firefighter coverage
BETHSADIA - A mass resignation at the Bethsadia Volunteer Fire Department occurred this week, with seven members leaving their jobs due to a multitude of reasons, all detailed in a letter sent to the Bethsadia VFD Board of Directors and Bethsadia Fire Chief Buddy...
Birmingham man killed in early morning interstate crash in Cullman County
CULLMAN COUNTY - A Birmingham man was killed in an early morning crash on Interstate 65 in Cullman County on Wednesday.
According to Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick, Christopher Walker, 33, was pronounced dead at the scene, which was in the southbound lanes of...
Community raising funds for family and victim of Vinemont fire
VINEMONT - Through social media, the victim of Saturday night's fatal house fire in the Vinemont-Providence community has been identified by family and friends as Kim Chumley, 51, of Vinemont. Those friends and family are using the platform to raise funds to both support...
“Suspicious” house fire leads to discovery of body
VINEMONT - A house fire overnight in the Vinemont-Providence area sent one man to an area hospital and led to the discovery of a body, launching an investigation by the state fire marshal's office and Cullman County Sheriff's Office (CCSO).
The blaze occurred at a...
Single-vehicle crash claims life of Hanceville man
CULLMAN COUNTY - A Hanceville man was killed Friday afternoon in a single-vehicle crash southwest of Dodge City when the vehicle he was driving left the roadway and struck a pole. The incident occurred in the 4600 block of County Road 8.
Robert Campbell, 53,...
Citizens’ Academy graduates latest class Tuesday evening
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange looks on as Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry addresses the Fall 2016 graduating class of the Cullman Sheriff's Citizens' Academy on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016 at Desperation Church in Cullman.
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) on Tuesday...
(Update 2) Victim identified in Monday’s traffic incident on Highway 157 in West Point
WEST POINT – The victim in Monday's traffic incident on Highway 157 North near West Point has been identified. Dana "Mark" Tucker, 53, of Calhoun County was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred near the 8200 block of Highway 157...
(Update) Investigation ongoing in Highway 157 incident; 1 fatality
WEST POINT – One man lost his life yesterday in what authorities at the time classified as a traffic incident on Highway 157 North near West Point. When reached early this morning for an update, a trooper with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA)...
A celebration of Max, recognition of the brave and investment in Cullman’s future
Councilman Johnny Cook, Mayor Max A. Townson, Councilwoman Jenny Folsom, Councilman Andy Page and Councilman Clint Hollingsworth at Monday's Cullman City Council meeting.
CULLMAN - The Cullman City Council held a regular meeting on Monday to approve the budget for the next fiscal year,...
3 arrests made for setting fires during a drought emergency
CULLMAN COUNTY - Three people were arrested on Friday for setting fires, in two unrelated incidents. There has been a No Burn Order in place in 46 counties in north and central Alabama, including Cullman, since Oct. 12. Law enforcement officers are not actively...
One-car traffic incident sends Hanceville man to UAB Hospital
CULLMAN - A single-car incident Friday afternoon sent one man to the hospital.
James Scott, 26, of Hanceville, was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 31 South in front of the old Nicholson File plant when his vehicle left the roadway and struck a metal utility...
Several fire departments fighting wildfire in Colony
COLONY - Multiple volunteer fire departments are on the scene of a wildfire near the town of Colony near Interstate 65 and Highway 91. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
Cullman County Fire and EMS Dispatch confirmed that the fire was first reported at...
