Northside Volunteer Fire Rescue

Northside Volunteer Fire Rescue Chief- Charles Sandefur (801)
Asst Chief- Adam Hay (802)
Lieutenant- Lee Watson (806)

We are in a severe thunderstorm warning. Please use caution and stay indoors
05/24/2026

We are in a severe thunderstorm warning. Please use caution and stay indoors

Today was one of those days that puts things into perspective.The goosebumps we felt taking Chief Andy Hay on his final ...
05/19/2026

Today was one of those days that puts things into perspective.

The goosebumps we felt taking Chief Andy Hay on his final ride are something we’ll never forget.

Seeing people standing on sidewalks just to pay their respects. Watching people step out of their vehicles at red lights, hats over their hearts. Seeing tears in the eyes of people sitting in traffic as the procession passed. And finally, seeing Thomaston Fire lined up, saluting Chief as we brought him home forever — it’s hard to put into words what that meant to us.

The respect shown to a man who gave over 40 years of service to protecting this community did not go unnoticed.

A very special thank you to Pike County Fire Department for covering our district with Engine 8 while we gave Chief the sendoff he deserved. An odd but meaningful coincidence, as Northside is technically Station 8 for the county. While we honored our Chief, you made sure the community remained protected, and for that we are incredibly grateful.

To the deputies with Upson County Sheriff - Dan Kilgore and Thomaston Police Department officers who stood at intersections and escorted us safely, thank you. To the 911 dispatcher who delivered her very first Last Call for Chief Hay — thank you for honoring him with grace. To Thomaston Fire Department, for lining the entrance with your personnel and rendering a salute as Chief came home one final time — thank you. Also a huge thank you to Rock Hill Fire Department, Thurston Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Lincoln Park Fire Department( Austin Bell)

And most importantly, thank you to this community.

From chill bumps to house fires, from good days to hard days, Northside has always been proud to serve you. Today, you showed us the same love and respect that Chief spent a lifetime giving to others.

We saw you. We felt your support. We love each and every one of you.

Chief, we’ve got it from here.

🚒 Funeral Procession Route for Chief Andy Hay 🚓To honor over 40 years of service and dedication to our community, there ...
05/18/2026

🚒 Funeral Procession Route for Chief Andy Hay 🚓

To honor over 40 years of service and dedication to our community, there will be a funeral procession for Chief Andy Hay featuring fire apparatus and law enforcement escorts. We invite members of the community to safely line portions of the route to pay their respects as Chief Hay makes his final ride.

Please do not be alarmed if you see a large number of emergency vehicles traveling through the area — this is part of the escorted procession honoring Chief Hay.

Procession Route (Turn-by-Turn):

📍 Starting at Northridge Church on Hickory Ridge Drive
➡️ Travel down Hickory Ridge Drive
⬅️ Left onto Thompson Road
➡️ Right onto Waller Road
➡️ Right onto Highway 19 / US-19 heading through Thomaston
➡️ Continue through town on Highway 19
➡️ Right onto Poplar Drive
➡️ Right onto Hannahs Mill Road
⬅️ Left into Crystal Hill Cemetery for final honors

We encourage everyone wishing to pay respect to park safely, remain off the roadway, and help us keep the procession moving safely and respectfully.

Thank you for helping us honor a man who spent decades serving and protecting this community. ❤️🚒

The funeral starts at 2pm at Northridge and after that we will begin the transport.

“Chief Hay, your watch may have ended here, but your legacy rides with us.”

05/14/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Chief Andy Hay this morning. Chief Hay served as the leader of Northside from its very beginning until his retirement this past January, dedicating over 40 years of service to the fire service and to this community.

Chief Hay helped shape generations of firefighters. Nearly everyone currently serving with our department learned something from him, whether it was on the fireground, around the station, or through the example he set every day. He was passionate about the job, loved his family, loved his cars, and had a special place in his heart for Engine 82. Many of the older members still remember him from his days as “the revenuer.”

His impact on Northside and the people around him will not be forgotten.

Please keep the Hay family, his friends, and all who served alongside him in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

https://www.cogginsfuneralhome.com/obituary/andy-hay-jr

Last night, Northside and Thurston Volunteer Fire & Rescue conducted a joint training focused on the “Denver Drill” a ...
05/12/2026

Last night, Northside and Thurston Volunteer Fire & Rescue conducted a joint training focused on the “Denver Drill” a firefighter rescue scenario designed around removing a downed firefighter from a confined space or window under high-stress conditions. This drill emphasizes teamwork, rapid intervention, mayday procedures, and self-rescue techniques that can make the difference in a real emergency.

We’re proud to have strong working relationships with neighboring departments and will be continuing our mayday and self-rescue training over the next several weeks to keep sharpening those critical skills.

Special thanks to Captain Kaz with Thurston and Lieutenant Watson with Northside for putting this training together and helping make it a success.

05/06/2026

⚠️ Tornado Watch Issued for Our Area ⚠️

A tornado watch has been issued for our area. This means conditions are favorable for severe weather, including possible tornadoes. Please stay weather-aware and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.

Now is the time to review your safety plan:
• Identify a safe place such as an interior room on the lowest level or a basement
• Make sure you have a way to receive alerts
• Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued

At this time, this is NOT a warning, just a watch. There is no need to panic—continue with your evening, but stay alert and ready in case conditions worsen.

We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed. Stay safe.

🚨 Northside Fire Rescue Weather Update 🚨Good evening everyone—this is Lt. Watson with Northside Fire Rescue.We want to m...
05/06/2026

🚨 Northside Fire Rescue Weather Update 🚨

Good evening everyone—this is Lt. Watson with Northside Fire Rescue.

We want to make the community aware that we are actively monitoring a developing severe weather threat moving into our area. Current forecasts, including local meteorologists, indicate an increasing risk for tornadoes, along with a significant flash flooding threat due to the expected rainfall intensity and fast-moving system.

At this time, conditions do not indicate the need to fully staff the station beyond normal operations—which is a positive sign. However, if the situation escalates, we are prepared to increase staffing to ensure faster response times for our district.

⚠️ What you need to do:

- Ensure you have a reliable way to receive weather alerts
- A NOAA weather radio is strongly recommended
- Mobile weather apps are also effective if notifications are enabled

We will continue to monitor conditions closely and provide updates as needed.

Stay alert, stay prepared, and stay safe.

— Northside Fire Rescue

Had a great time at the Thurston Volunteer Fire & Rescue touch a truck event. Shout out to Air Evac Lifeteam 185 - Upson...
05/02/2026

Had a great time at the Thurston Volunteer Fire & Rescue touch a truck event.

Shout out to Air Evac Lifeteam 185 - Upson Co., GA. For having the coolest ride out of everybody.

Thanks to all the agencies that participated and for Thurston cooking the chicken plates.

Address

620 Jeff Davis Road
Thomaston, GA
30286

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