Fire Rescue & Operations

 FIRE SUPPRESSION/EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

The primary goal of the Operations Division is to protect life and property. In order to maximize the effectiveness of our responses, this division is staffed with well-trained teams with diverse and highly specialized skill sets. Because we know that our firefighters are the first responders to people in need, these personnel maintain the highest levels of training in fire suppression, disaster mitigation, advanced life support emergency medicine, and technical rescue services. Madison firefighters provide many other valuable services to the community through their participation in the department's public safety and education programs. Daily staffing is 20 personnel.

Under the general guidance of the Deputy Chief of Operations, the division is managed on a 24/7/365 basis by three battalion chiefs. Serving the community around the clock, operations personnel are on duty and at your service every second of every day.

These responses average 4,300 calls annually. Since approximately 85% of these calls are medical in nature, Madison Fire & Rescue ALS response units are equipped with state of the art medical equipment, including the LUCAS CPR resuscitation system, Glidescope video laryngoscopes, and intraosseous infusers. All ALS Engines and Squads are also staffed with at least one Firefighter/Paramedic.

Technical rescue services, including structural collapse, confined space, rope or high angle, and trench collapse, are not only provided locally but regionally and statewide as part of the State of Alabama's Regional Response Teams. Alabama Heavy Rescue 1, partnering with the City of Decatur, Marshall County (Arab, Guntersville, Albertville, Boaz), and Fort Payne, provides primary rescue response through the state's mutual aid system to all of northeast Alabama.

TRAINING

Madison Fire & Rescue's Training Division develops, implements and maintains programs supporting the safe, efficient and effective actions of it's personnel. Under the eye of the Captain of Training, this division coordinates specialized in-house training to convey new concepts and techniques, reinforce existing skills and address modern advances in the delivery of emergency services which maintain the high skill level of Madison Fire personnel.

Through the Acquired Structure Program, citizens who have planned demolition of astructure on their property can donate the structure to Madison Fire for training.  The training consists of highly realistic drills and, at times, live-fire training. These carefully planned exercises and/or controlled operations utilizing the vacant structure allows department personnel the opportunity to experience "real life" situations in the safest manner possible. The training drills reinforce important skills necessary for search and rescue and fire suppression in residential structures. Please contact the Training Division at 256-772-3326 for more information regarding the District's Acquired Structure Program.