Madison County looking to recruit new volunteer firefighters

MADISON CO., Ala. (WAFF) - First responders were on high alert Wednesday night as storms moved across the Tennessee Valley area. But volunteer fire stations were stretched thin trying to cover everyone’s needs.

Toney Volunteer Fire Station is looking for new blood to join its ranks.

Wednesday’s storms put the fire station in a tough position. Residents’ calls to report downed trees, power lines, and power poles came in bigger volumes than what they normally see.

Chief Volunteer Firefighter Heath Jones told WAFF 48 that the volunteers at the station answered several lengthy calls that caused delays in being able to dispatch those volunteers to scenes where they were needed.

He also assured the community that the station absolutely responds to these calls.

“Each volunteer fire department can always utilize more manpower. And I think that’s why we’re making a push for recruitment right now in Madison County that way we can increase our numbers,” Jones said. “When you increase your numbers with recruitment, get more people out on the road at our stations that can respond, our response times are going to increase and we’re gonna get people to that emergency quicker.”

Those interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter can apply here: https://www.toneyfire.com/recruitment

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