Hoover Fire Department
The Hoover Fire Department is responsible for responding to fires, medical, and hazardous material spills in Hoover. The department consists of approximately 150 emergency responders assigned to eight fire stations throughout the city. In addition to the main department, there is also the Hazardous Material Response Unit and the Fire Prevention Bureau, which consists of 5 personnel who oversee inspections and related matters. The fire chief is Clay Bentley.
History
Hoover's Fire Department began in 1962, almost five years before the city's incorporation, as the Hoover Volunteer Fire Department. By 1972, the department consisted of six paid and 15 volunteer staff. Tom Bradley served as the first chief, from 1976 until his retirement in 2009. He was replaced by Chuck Wingate, who served until his retirement in 2017. During Wingate's tenure, the department achieved a Class 1 insurance rating.
Fire stations
The Hoover Fire Department currently has nine fire stations. The department attempts to keep all homes in Hoover within five miles of a fire station.
Hoover Fire Station No. 2
The original Station No. 2 was a 2500-square-foot building built in 1976 on Chapel Lane at Patton Chapel Road. At the end of April 2007, firefighters moved to a new, 6000-square-foot station at 1591 Patton Chapel Road, just 300 feet away from the original station. The old station was demolished so that Preserve Parkway can be extended to a new four-way intersection at Patton Chapel Road and Chapel Lane.
As of 2007, twelve firefighters, three per shift, were assigned to the station. This was the maximum capacity of the original station. The new station can house up to ten firefighters per shift.
Hoover Fire Station No. 9
Station No. 9, located on Legacy Drive in Greystone, opened in August 2009. The station is equipped with a natural gas generator, a hose tower for drying hoses, and a cardio and weight room. It also houses an Advanced Life Support-equipped fire engine.
External links
- Fire Department page at the City of Hoover web site
References
- "OK of 9th Hoover fire station will improve response time." (September 27, 2006) The Birmingham News
- Batson, Roger, Jr (May 2, 2007) "New fire station opens off Patton Chapel Road." The Birmingham News
- Batson, Roger, Jr. (May 9, 2007) "Fire department reputation glows with training, assets." The Birmingham News
- Jones, Amy (August 23, 2009) "Hoover celebrates new Fire Station No. 9." Shelby County Reporter. Accessed August 26, 2009.
- Anderson, Jon (May 16, 2017) "Hoover Fire Department earns Class 1 insurance rating." Hoover Sun
- Anderson, Jon (August 7, 2017) "Hoover fire Chief Chuck Wingate to retire Aug. 31." Hoover Sun