ADMINISTRATION

Fire Suppression

Cullman Fire Rescue’s Fire Suppression Division provides continuous, around-the-clock protection for the City of Cullman. Our personnel operate on three rotating 24-hour shifts, ensuring that highly trained Firefighter/EMTs are ready to respond at any moment, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our suppression personnel meet rigorous training and certification standards. Every firefighter is required to hold:

• State of Alabama Firefighter I/II certification (360-hour career firefighter certification)
• State of Alabama or National Registry EMT-Basic certification
• Hazardous Materials Technician certification

Many team members maintain additional advanced certifications in specialized rescue, advanced life support, and incident command, reflecting our commitment to continual improvement and excellence.

The Fire Suppression Division is responsible for a broad range of emergency and operational duties, including:

• Combating and controlling structure, vehicle, and wildland fires.
• Responding to hazardous materials incidents and mitigation efforts.
• Performing vehicle extrication and technical rescue operations.
• Providing basic and advanced life support during medical emergencies.
• Conducting pre-incident planning for commercial, industrial, and public buildings.
• Maintaining and testing fire hydrants to ensure proper function.
• Supporting mutual aid requests from surrounding departments.

Through this comprehensive all-hazards approach, Cullman Fire Rescue stands prepared to protect life, property, and the community with professionalism, readiness, and dedication.

Advanced Life Support (ALS) EMS

Cullman Fire Rescue provides Advanced Life Support (ALS) emergency medical services as a core component of its all-hazards mission. Our fire stations are strategically located throughout the city to ensure rapid response times to medical emergencies, fires, and other critical incidents.

Highly trained Firefighter/EMTs deliver essential lifesaving interventions, including:

• IV access and fluid administration.
• Defibrillation and advanced cardiac monitoring (ECG).
• Airway management, including intubation.
• Cardiac drug therapy and medication administration.
• Trauma care, stabilization, and rapid patient assessment.

Our Firefighter/EMTs work closely with local ambulance transport providers to ensure seamless patient care from the moment of arrival through transport to medical facilities. This partnership helps deliver the highest standard of pre-hospital care to residents, visitors, and those who work in Cullman.

Beyond daily emergency responses, Cullman Fire Rescue also provides dedicated medical and safety coverage for major community events, festivals, athletic competitions, and public gatherings. This proactive support ensures that participants and attendees receive prompt, professional care should an emergency arise.

Cullman Fire Rescue remains committed to delivering exceptional ALS services with precision, compassion, and readiness.

Hazardous Materials Response

Cullman Fire Rescue responds to all hazardous materials incidents within the City of Cullman, including transportation-related spills, industrial accidents, and chemical releases. Because these events can pose significant risks to life, property, and the environment, our teams maintain a high level of readiness for safe and effective mitigation.

All Firefighter/EMTs are certified Hazardous Materials Technicians and undergo continuous training to ensure they can operate confidently and safely in the complex and potentially toxic environments associated with hazardous materials response. Their preparation includes hazard recognition, containment and control strategies, decontamination procedures, and the use of specialized protective equipment.

Through this advanced capability, Cullman Fire Rescue provides rapid, expert response that protects the community and supports the safe resolution of hazardous materials emergencies.

Tactical Medics

Cullman Fire Rescue Firefighter/EMTs also serve as Tactical Medics for the Cullman Police Department’s Tactical Team, providing critical medical support during high-risk law enforcement operations. Their integration into these specialized units ensures that lifesaving care is available immediately for injured officers, suspects, and civilians when rapid intervention is essential.

Tactical Medics train 16 hours each month alongside the Police Department Tactical Team to maintain readiness, enhance coordination, and refine skills specific to tactical environments. They also participate in advanced certification and continuing education through organizations such as the International School of Tactical Medicine and other recognized tactical medical training programs.

This partnership strengthens the City of Cullman’s overall emergency response capability, ensuring highly skilled medical professionals are present during the most complex and dangerous situations.

Technical Rescue (Cullman TRT)

Established in 2011, the Cullman Fire Rescue Technical Rescue Team (TRT) provides specialized response capabilities for complex and high-risk rescue incidents. This elite team expands the department’s ability to safely manage emergencies that require advanced skills, precision techniques, and specialized equipment.

The Cullman TRT responds to a wide range of technical rescue situations, including:

• Confined space rescues.
• High-angle and rope rescues.
• Trench and excavation collapses.
• Water-related and swift-water emergencies.
• Structural collapse incidents.
• Vehicle extrication and heavy rescue operations.
• Urban search and rescue (USAR) events.

In addition to their service within the city, seven Cullman TRT members also serve with the Alabama Mutual Aid System Division F – Alabama Task Force 3, a statewide disaster response team. These members are trained to respond to large-scale natural and man-made disasters at the local, state, and federal levels, providing advanced rescue capabilities wherever they are needed.

The Technical Rescue Team represents Cullman Fire Rescue’s commitment to readiness, innovation, and the highest standards of emergency response.

Physical Fitness Training

A Firefighter/EMT’s career demands strength, endurance, and resilience. Cullman Fire Rescue places a strong emphasis on physical fitness to ensure that personnel are prepared for the physical challenges of emergency response while maintaining long-term health and wellbeing.

Firefighter/EMTs participate in one hour of fitness training each day while on shift. This structured, department-supported program focuses on cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, flexibility, and functional movement exercises tailored to the demands of firefighting and rescue operations.

In addition to daily training, all personnel complete:

• An annual physical fitness assessment.
• A comprehensive NFPA 1582 medical evaluation, ensuring each member is medically and physically able to perform essential duties.

These standards reflect the department’s commitment to keeping its Firefighter/EMTs healthy, capable, and ready for the strenuous work required in emergencies. By supporting both physical readiness and overall wellness, Cullman Fire Rescue ensures the community receives the safest and highest level of service.