Columbiana Fire Department

06/04/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Captain Head

This month, we are proud to spotlight Captain Head, a dedicated member of the City of Columbiana Fire & Rescue family whose commitment to service has impacted our department and community for more than two decades.

How long have you been a volunteer?

"I have been a volunteer for almost 21 years and an EMT for 19 years, all of which have been with the City of Columbiana."

What is your favorite part of being a volunteer?

"What I enjoy the most about being a volunteer is being able to help other people when they need it the most, and I believe that is why God put us all here—to help each other."

What do you do for a career?

"I am a Biomedical Engineering Supervisor at Children's Hospital of Alabama, where I have worked for 20 years."

What are your hobbies, and how do you balance family life?

"My hobbies are spending time with my family and friends. I have three wonderful children and three spectacular grandchildren."

A Little More About Captain Head

Captain Head comes from a family known for its dedication and service to the Columbiana community. He is the son of retired Elvin Hill Elementary Principal Ann Head and the late Judge Oliver Head, both respected pillars of the community.

Within the fire department, Captain Head plays a vital leadership role by overseeing training for both fire and EMS personnel. His commitment to preparing firefighters and EMTs helps ensure that our department remains ready to serve whenever duty calls.

Those who serve alongside Captain Head describe him as a laid-back, soft-spoken leader who is always approachable and willing to help.

We are thankful for Captain Head's nearly 21 years of volunteer service and his continued dedication to training, mentoring, and helping others. Thank you, Captain Head, for your unwavering commitment to the City of Columbiana and the citizens we proudly serve. 🚒❤️ City of Columbiana

06/02/2026

05/01/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Firefighter Reed 🚒

How long have you been a volunteer? How long with CFD?
“I have been in the fire service for about 35 years now.”

What inspired you to become a volunteer?
“The reason I joined the fire department is, I had a little brother who died in an auto accident. After that tragedy, I felt in my heart that I needed to help people by serving the people of Columbiana.”

What do you do for a career?
“I am a heavy equipment operator of 43 years. I have worked in different states.”

Have you served with other departments?
“I’ve also volunteered for a fire department in Pennsylvania called Whitehall. They maintain five stations—I was assigned to Station 3.”

What is your favorite part of being a volunteer?
“Helping people and being there when they need it most.”

What are your hobbies, and how do you balance family life?
“I am currently a single parent with four daughters. Two are in the medical field, and two are in childcare.”

A little more about Firefighter Reed:
Firefighter Reed has been instrumental in many areas of the success of Columbiana Fire’s operations. One key role he fulfills is overseeing the opening and operation of the city’s storm shelters during severe weather, ensuring citizens have a safe place to go during dangerous conditions.

He is also widely respected as a senior firefighter and mentor, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience from his many years of service.

04/28/2026

This weekend, May 2–3, is National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend at the U.S. Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

We honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and their communities. As firefighters, we understand the weight of that sacrifice and stand in solidarity with all who serve.

May we never forget their courage, their commitment, and their legacy.

To learn more about the firefighters being recognized this weekend, visit weekend.firehero.org.

04/16/2026

See you this Saturday in Old Mill Square Park for Touch a Truck!

04/13/2026

Adults! Bring the kids out to see us this Saturday at the Shelby County Arts Council!

04/13/2026

📢With worsening drought conditions across the state and low relative humidity, State Forester Rick Oates has issued a statewide Fire Alert effective immediately.

Over the past weekend, 50 wildfires burned more than 2,300 acres of forestland across the state. This includes a 500-acre wildfire in Mobile County, one for 412 acres in Coosa County, one for 382 acres in Choctaw County, one for 260 acres in Washington County, and another one for 105 acres in Escambia County.

In the last 30 days, 387 wildfires have burned approximately 15,850 acres of forestland across the state.

“With no measurable rain in sight, the continued extremely dry conditions create dangerous wildfire behavior,” said Oates. “These conditions create the potential for fires to escape easily and spread rapidly, taking longer and more of the agency’s firefighting resources to contain. Fast-moving wildfires not only destroy property and forests but also threaten the lives of citizens and endanger firefighters.”

This Fire Alert will remain in effect until rescinded by the State Forester, at least through Monday, April 20. Conditions will be reevaluated at that time. Permits for outdoor burning will be restricted only to Certified Prescribed Burn Managers. Anyone who burns a field, grassland, or woodland without a burn permit may be subject to prosecution for committing a Class B misdemeanor.

The Alabama Forestry Commission is the state agency committed to protecting Alabama’s invaluable forest assets and its citizens. To report a wildfire, call (800) 392-5679. For more information on the current wildfire situation in the state or any other forestry-related issues, contact your local AFC office or visit the agency website at www.forestry.alabama.gov

04/11/2026

Join us for our FREE Touch-A-Truck event on April 18th from 10 AM – 1 PM at Old Mill Square Park. This is your chance to get up close with some seriously cool vehicles like construction equipment, fire trucks, safety equipment and even maybe a helicopter!

Kids (and let’s be honest… adults too) can climb, explore, and learn about the vehicles that help keep our community running every day. It’s hands-on, interactive, and perfect for the whole family.

Huge thank you to Kyle Mims with Edward Jones for helping make this event possible!

📍 Old Mill Square Park
105 West College Street
Columbiana, Alabama

Tag a friend and come out for a great time—we can’t wait to see you there! 🚜🚒🚁