Jason Beam has been named the new chief of the Albertville Fire Department following the retirement of now former chief Brad Hix.
The Albertville City Council made a proclamation during a meeting Monday night officially appointing Beam to the new position.
“I would like to thank everyone who has taken their time to message or call congratulating me on becoming Chief of a great fire department,” Beam said in a statement posted to the fire department’s Facebook page. “I would also like to thank Mayor Honea and the Council for the vote of confidence. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with a great group of people within the city.” Beam took on the role of training officer in 2011, before being promoted to assistant fire chief and fire marshal in 2016. A new assistant chief and fire marshal will be named at a later date.
Sand Mountain Reporter
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PHOTO: One person has died in a house fire occurring early Tuesday morning on County Road 632.
Around 4:30, units of the Gaylesville, Broomtown, Cedar Bluff and Centre Fire Departments responded to reports of a structure fire at the location; the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Floyd EMS also responded.
Emergency personnel reportedly arrived to find the home already fully involved in flames.
Cherokee County Coroner Paul McDonald confirmed to WEIS Radio News that the victim has been identified as 81 year old Lovie Lee Smith.
The State Fire Marshals Office and the Cherokee County Fire Investigator also responded to the scene. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
WEIS 100.5 FM/990 AM
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The Sumiton City Council has agreed to spend $4,700 on mandated cancer policies for its firefighters, as many firefighters are exposed to cancer contaminants during fires.
The council acted during its meeting on Tuesday morning, as state Act 2019-361 provides that Alabama local governments must provide supplemental insurance coverage for firefights diagnosed with cancer.
"The bill calls for a lump-sum benefit for firefighters diagnosed with cancer. The cap is $50,000 over a lifetime. There is also a monthly benefit of $3,000 for up to 36 months," Alabama Daily News said at the time the bill was passed. "The legislation also gives volunteer firefighters and retired firefighters the option of paying for the supplemental coverage themselves."
It was estimated at the time municipalities would have to pay $200 per policy each year, the news website noted. The Alabama League of Municipalities helped to work on the bill.
Daily Mountain Eagle
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A Valley couple, an elderly woman, a dog and a cat are all safe following an overnight house fire Wednesday morning.
East Alabama Fire Department Chief Kerry Pickard reported that crews responded to a house fire in the 100 block of Jefferson St. at 3:48 a.m.
Chief Pickard says that multiple people, including a husband and wife and an elderly woman were trapped inside.
The husband and wife, who lived on the left side of the house, were able to escape the home safely. The elderly woman, who lived on the right side of the home, was still trapped when crews arrived on the scene.
Firefighters were able to rescue the woman, as well as a dog and a cat, from the home.
No injuries were reported in the fire.
Chief Pickard says the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
WTVM-TV ABC 9 Columbus
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Huntsville Fire and Rescue responded to an overnight fire on Front Street. The resident told emergency crews they heard a “pop” that woke them up just after midnight, then they smelled smoke.
Firefighters arrived and got the fire under control in about 30 minutes.
The building is a duplex. The south end of the building, with the address of 2024, was more damaged than the other half.
There were no injuries as a result of the fire but those living there will be displaced for at least a few days.
WHNT-TV CBS 19 Huntsville
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