The Shoal Creek Volunteer Fire Department received a $65,000 check last week from the Central Alabama Long-Term Recovery Committee. From left are Linda White, fire chief Vernon White, United Way of Central Alabama President and CEO Drew Langloh, Long-Term Recovery Committee case manager supervisor Shirley Wormely, assistant fire chief Carl Brownfield, Rexanne Moore, and David Smith.
The Shoal Creek Valley Volunteer Fire Department sustained major damage at both of its stations that April 27 day. In addition, most of their gear was lost and three trucks were damaged.
Last week, the Central Alabama Long-Term Recovery Committee presented a check for $65,000 to the volunteer fire department to help with its recovery.
The contributions were made possible by the following committee members: United Way of Central Alabama, The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, The Birmingham Jewish Federation and three anonymous donors.
Drew Langloh, president and CEO of United Way of Central Alabama, presented the check to Fire Chief Vernon White.
“We are delighted to be here,” Langloh said. “This Long-Term Recovery Committee is committed to helping communities rebuild after the tornadoes.
“I am a lucky guy because I get to represent thousands of donors who said they want to help. We really believe that investing in this fire department is going to provide much-needed emergency service and coverage that will really help a lot of people.”
White said this donation will help the fire department get back to where it should be.
“I thank God we have people who are willing to donate money to the fire department so we can get back to helping people here in the valley,” White said. “Station 2, near Bethany Baptist Church, will have to come completely down.
“There is a lot of work that has to be done here at Station 1 as well. This money here will help us get our stations back and our fire truck back. It is being ordered this afternoon.”
White said some new equipment will also be ordered.
Long-Term Recovery Committee case manager supervisor Shirley Wormely said this is a wonderful feeling.
“I knew that many in the community were very disappointed because of the damage the fire stations suffered,” Wormely said. “This community depends on this volunteer fire department to be there. This feels good to be able to do this because I know they needed it.”
Assistant Fire Chief Carl Brownfield said the money really helps them go back to helping people in the valley.
“They have supported us during all this,” Brownfield said. “We want to get back to functioning 100 percent again. While the storm took so much from us, it showed us how wonderful people are and how big their hearts are by their willingness to give back.
“There were so many people who came out and helped right after the tornado hit. This is just another step at a recovery effort. It will be great to get back to functioning the way we should be.”
The Central Alabama Long-Term Recovery Committee is made up of organizations working together to address the needs of the community and individuals following a disaster. As is often the case for LTRC’s, the organizations represented in the Central Alabama LTRC include community, government and faith-based organizations. Organizations include funders, as well as those providing health and human services to meet spiritual, emotional and physical needs.
Contact Gary Hanner at ghanner@thestclairtimes.com.
