Baileyton Fire Station 1 (Contributed by Zack McGee)
BAILEYTON, Ala. – The Baileyton Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) is celebrating its 50th anniversary and wants the community to join in the festivities. On Saturday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the department will welcome everyone to Station 1 (165 Fire Station Road) to receive scholarships and free meals provided by the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office . There will be a water slide and bounce house for the kids and live music from local favorite Jesse Priest. Firefighting vehicles and equipment will also be on display.
“We’ve had a small event for our members a few times this time of year,” said BVFD Chief Zack McGee. “As this is our 50th anniversary, we decided to organize an event for the community.”
Since its founding 50 years ago by the Baileyton Booster Club, the department has grown exponentially.
McGee previously told The Tribune, “They bought a 5/4-ton military surplus truck and put a tank and pump on it to use as their first fire truck. It was originally in a shop of the original members.After the construction of Baileyton Town Hall, the fire department moved to the basement of that building until a four-bay station was built in Baileyton Town Park in 1986.
In 2011, the department upgraded to the new station at 165 Fire Station Road, which features five bays, a security room, a large meeting area, a full kitchen, a sleeping area for two, offices and a lounge. It also houses a brush truck, medical response vehicle, fire engine, water tanker and other equipment.
The department has a second three-bay station at County Road 1725 that houses a brush truck and a fire engine, McGee said.
Some of the original BVFD firefighters include Troyce Hadley, Billy Fletcher, Bobby Martin, Bobby Murphree, Billy and Leon McElroy, James Harold Howell, CO Ewing and Ralph Walker, among others.
Baileyton fire chiefs over the years have included Hadley, Larry Farley, Horace Dover, Joe Golden and Mike Stapler.
McGee has been the head of the BVFD since 2016 and works diligently to connect with the community. He hopes everyone will come out on Sept. 10 to help the department celebrate 50 years of service.
Anyone interested in volunteering with the BVFD can call 256-796-2332 or email baileytonvfd@gmail.com.
Copyright 2022 Humble Roots, LLC. All rights reserved.
