CAVHCS Firefighters assist the Community
Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System fire medic Anthony Williams and firefighter Thomas Green were delivering government vehicles for maintenance in the nearby town of Tallassee, Alabama, but there was a slight change of plans.
The team noticed a mobile home on fire and immediately rushed to action. They surveyed the area to remove items that could increase the fire’s damage. Once Tallassee Fire Department arrived, Williams and Green assisted with deploying fire hoses to begin firefighting.
“This was a well-involved fire and I needed to make sure no one was inside that I could get to. Then I started to go down the firefighter’s checklist, keep all responders safe, rescue any type of life, confine any danger, extinguish all fire and try to protect any other structures,” said Williams.
The team also noticed propane tanks were connected to the mobile home and safely removed them before more damage occurred. This is a great example of what firefighters risk to serve their community.
“It could have been life or death for the people around watching, bad for the firefighters, police officers and possibly for up to about a 1-mile radius or the homes around it,” said Williams.
Fortunately for the community, there were no injuries due to the quick actions of the CAVHCS team.
“The courage it takes to run toward danger speaks volumes of the team here at CAVHCS,” said Amir Farooqi, CAVHCS Director.
Williams, a part-time fire chief with a small volunteer fire department in Montgomery County, understands the significance of strong relationships with the surrounding communities in the CAVHCS catchment area.
“It is very important to have the best relationships with others because, at the end of the day, we all are doing this for one reason: to help whoever we can,” Williams said. “I strive every day on and off duty to ensure the Veterans, CAVHCS team members, and surrounding communities understand that CAVHCS Fire is here to help.”
CAVHCS Fire Chief Larry Foy stated he was thankful for Williams and Green as part of our proactive and dedicated team. “Our department will only serve to improve and grow because of their dedication.”