2023
Training for Propane simulator will be on October 10 & October 12, 2023
Training for Mobile burn trailer will be on May 23 & May 25, 2023
2022
Sweet Water Fire Dept will be hosting the Alabama Fire College propane simulator October 4th and October 6th starting @ 6:00.
March 5, 2022 – CRAWFISH BOIL – Starting at 10:00 AM at the Sweet Water Volunteer Dept Fire Station on Hwy 10
- Crawfish $6.50 per pound.
- Platter comes with 1 corn and 2 potatoes.
- 2 lbs – $12.99
- 3 lbs – $17.99
- 5 lbs – $27.49
- 10 lbs – $49.99
- Sausage – $2.50
- Corn – $0.75
- Potatoes – $0.50
- CALL OR TEXT – 1-334-422-1998
2021
July 24, 2021 – We will be going to Axis, Alabama to the Gulf Coast Emergency Response Training Academy for four hours of training from 8am – 12 noon.
June 21, 2021 – The Sweet Water Fire Department will be hosting the Alabama Fire College mobile driving simulator
June 19, 2021 – Sweet Water Fire Department will be going to Tuscaloosa to the fire college for eight hours live burn training.
October 11 through October 16, 2021 we will have the propane simulator.
We will be hosting the Alabama Fire College driving simulator September 7 for the whole week.
Sweet Water Volunteer Fire Department is proud to announce a grant from FEMA for the amount of $84,000. The grant is for 12 air packs, 12 spare air bottles and 15 face masks. We are very grateful for FEMA for this grant. We also like to announce being awarded from R C & D a $5,000 grant to be used for fire fighter training, that will take in effect for October 2020.
We would like to thank all persons involved in helping SWVFD receive this much needed equipment and training that will make our community safer. – chief, Ronnie Bishop
2019
OCTOBER 28 – NOVEMBER 1, 2019 – Confined Space Simulator scheduled for Sweet Water VFD
It is with great sadness, we lost a member, Michael Wartberg, Sr. on June 7th, 2019. Memorial will be at the O’Bryant Chapel funeral home June 12, 2019 at 6:00 pm.
Some members of the Sweet Water Volunteer Fire department. We will be going to Atmore, AL on March 2 & March 3, 2019 for fire training.
2018
October 31, 2018 – The Sweet Water volunteer fire department will have Fire Prevention at Sweet Water High School.
September 18, 2018 – The Sweet Water volunteer fire department will start a class on fire fight continuing education.
September 3-8, 2018 – The Sweet Water volunteer fire department will be hosting the Alabama Fire College mobile burn trailer.
2017
December 2017 – Firefighter of the year – Wayne Lynn
December 16, 2017 – Christmas party will be at Station 2 @ 6:00 pm.
October 19 & 21 – Will be hosting a class on Fight Back Citizen’s Self Defense Seminar – Open to public. Cost $20.00 – Class 5:30 – 8:30 pm
October 18-21 – Alabama Fire College mobile fire suppression
2016
October 11, 2016 – Fire Prevention @ Sweet Water – 1:00 – 3:00 pm
The Sweet Water fire department will host the Alabama Fire College mobile fire suppression training on January 3, 2017 in Sweet Water, AL.
DECEMBER 17, 2016 – Sweet Water fire department will have their Christmas party at 6:00.
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK – Sweet Water fire department will be at the Sweet Water high school on October 12, 2016 for Fire Prevention from 1:30 – 3:00 pm.
AUGUST 2016 – We would like to thank FEMA for two grants. One grant for $248,000.00 for a new truck. The other grant for $26,225.00 for new equipment.
MORE NEWS – The Sweet Water fire department is sponsoring FF1 course with Alabama Fire college.
LIVE FIRE TRAINING – We will have a 10 hour live fire training in Tuscaloosa on September 17, 2016.
CRAW-FISH BOIL – February 27, 2016 – Craw-fish plates includes potatoes, corn, sausage and two pounds of craw-fish or you can buy craw-fish by the pound for $4.75. Chicken plates are nine dollars.
2015
The Sweet Water Volunteer Fire Department Christmas dinner will be on December 19, 2015 at 5:00 PM. Details to follow.
We will be in the Thomasville Christmas parade on December 1, 2015 at 5:30 PM.
Sweet Water Volunteer Fire Department would like to express our condolences to Kylie Lynn and her family for their loss of a loving family member, ‘Ms. Pearl,’ who went to be with our Father above on August 12, 2015. Our prayers are with Kylie and her family in this trying time.
BOSTON BUTT SALE ON AUGUST 8, 2015
PICK UP AT THE STATION BY THE SCHOOL BETWEEN 8AM and NOON.
CRAW-FISH BOIL – MAY 30, 2015 – 9:00 AM
PLATES – $12.00 WITH DRINK – $11.00 WITHOUT DRINK – 2LB
PLATES WITH CRAWFISH, CORN, CONECUH SAUSAGE AND POTATOES OR BUY THEM BY THE
POUND AT $4.50 – ALSO HAVE CHICKEN PLATES FOR $8.00.
FUNDRAISER – April 11, 2015 – 10:00 AM – Station 1
Smoked chicken plates – $7.00
Smoked rib plates – $8.00
Slab of ribs – $25.00
Fresh Pork Skins
BAKE SALE
FIREFIGHTER ONE COURSE
Sweet Water Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a
Firefighter One course to begin some time in April. More information on
this matter to be published soon. This is a 160-hour course. Plan to
attend. For more information, please contact chief, Ronnie Bishop at (334)
422-1998
January 30, 2015 – Sweet Water Fire Department Bake Sale
January 01, 2015 – The Dixons Mills Fire Department has
terminated the Automatic Aid Agreement
2014
2014 – Firefighter of the year – Wade Bishop
2014 – Most improved firefighter – Patience Smith
2014 – Rookie of the year – Kylie Lynn
December 13, 2014 at 6 pm – Station 2
October 1, 2014 – Fire Prevention at Sweet Water high
school from 1:30pm to 3:00pm.
October 2, 2014 – Fire Prevention at Dixons Mills high
school from 11:45am to 1:20pm.
2014 – November 14, 15, & 16 – Fire Training in
Murfreesboro, TN
03-30-2014
Sweet Water Fire Department has learned that a fellow
firefighter and friend has passed away. Chief James Gates (South Marengo
Fire & Rescue squad ) was a respected firefighter and friend to our
community.
Sweet Water Fire Department wishes to express our deepest
sympathies to James Gates surviving family.
Chief James Gates was a longtime member of South Marengo
Fire & Rescue squad. He served our community doing what he
loved. He will be missed.
Chief Ronnie Bishop
The Sweet Water Volunteer Fire Department will have their
second annual fundraiser April 5, 2014 starting at 10:00 am. Chicken leg
quarters or 1/4 slab of ribs for $8.00 or a slab or ribs for $15.00.
2013
Firefighter of the Year 2013: Rusty Bishop
Rookies of the Year 2013: Wade Bishop and Patience Smith
Most Improved Firefighter 2013: Trent Sheffield
Christmas dinner is on December 14, 2013 at 6:00pm @ Station 2.
On November 14, 15 and 16, Eleven (11) members from the
Sweet Water Volunteer Fire Department will be in Murfreesboro, TN for 18 hours
of Structural Fire Training at the Fire Academy.
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK: Fire Prevention week
will be during the week of October 8, 2013 at Dixons Mills and Sweet Water
school.
Sweet Water, AL. flood on July 4, 2013
Sweet Water Volunteer Fire Department is sad to announce
that we have lost a fellow firefighter from Putnam, AL.
Allen Etheridge, chief of Putnam Volunteer Fire Department
has passed away. We the Sweet Water community send our sympathy to his
remaining family. He will be greatly missed.
Donations may be made to the Shea Etheridge and Children’s
Fund at First United Security Bank.
For more information, click
here.
Good News Everyone: The American Red Cross and
Sweet Water Volunteer Fire Department is proud to announce the Sweet Water
Volunteer Fire Department Station 2 is now a distribution center and a
mini-shelter for the community of Marengo county in case of disasters for the
relief of our surrounding community.
This unit will only be activated if the American Red
Cross deems it necessary. For more information, contact your
local American Red Cross or fire chief, Ronnie Bishop at (334) 994-9911
2012
Firefighter of the Year 2012: Congratulations
to Rob Ogarek!
CHRISTMAS
DINNER – December 8, 2012 –
7:00 PM at Station #2
We would like to thank Georgia-Pacific mill for awarding
our station with the ‘Bucket Brigade’ grant for $10,000. We will be using
these funds to buy turnout gear for our volunteer firefighters. Again, we
would like to thank all those who awarded us this grant so we may continue
protecting our firefighters and serving our communities. – Thank you,
chief Ronnie Bishop.
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK: Fire Prevention week
will be during the week of October 9, 2012.
BOSTON BUTTS: The Sweet Water Volunteer Fire
Department will be taking orders for hickory smoked Boston butts for
$30.00 a piece. You may
purchase your ticket from any Sweet Water volunteer fire department member.
We will cook on May 25, 2012. You may pick it up the next day on May 26,
2012 between 8 am – 12 noon. For more
information, please contact Chief Ronnie Bishop at (334) 422-1998.
2011
FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR 2011: Congratulations
to Ronnie Bishop!
EATING MEETING: Fire Department’s Christmas
dinner – December 10, 2011.
YELLOW DOT PROGRAM: Station 2 in Sweet Water,
AL on November 16, 2011 from 9:30 am – 12:00 noon.
BOOT DRIVE: The Sweet Water Volunteer Fire
Department would like to thank all the people in our community who donated to
the boot drive.
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK: – OCTOBER 13, 2011 – SWEET WATER HIGH
AND DIXONS MILLS SCHOOLS.
Sweet Water Volunteer Fire Department would like to extend
its thanks to all who participated in our first Boston butt cooking. We
appreciate those who helped make it happen and we appreciate those who
contributed.
BOSTON BUTTS: The Sweet Water Volunteer Fire
Department will be selling Hickory smoked Boston butts starting March
15th. The cut-off date to reserve yours is April 9th. You may
purchase your ticket from any Sweet Water volunteer fire department member
and/or from the Sweet Water town hall. We will cook on the 22nd of
April. You may pick it up on the 23rd of April around noon. For more
information, please contact Chief Ronnie Bishop at (334) 422-1998.
2010
FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR 2010: Congratulations
to Danny Haney!
WORK DAY: Saturday, November 27, 2010 at
Station # 2.
CHRISTMAS PARTY: Christmas party, December
4th, 2010 at 6:00 PM will be at Morgan Flowers residence.
TRAINING: Training on Cascade system on
Tuesday, October 19, 2010. We will be having an out of town
instructor. Please attend.
BOOT DRIVE: September 17, 2010
CPR & AED CLASS: September 20 & 21,
2010 at Station 2. 6:00 Pm.
PUTNAM VFD FUNDRAISER: October 2, 2010,
Putnam, AL @ 10:30 Am. Fun for all. For more information contact
Rosie Landrum (334) 736-4455 or Anne Downey (334) 736-4315
FIRE PREVENTION PARADE: October 9, 2010 – Linden, AL @ 11:00
Am.
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK: October 13, 2010 at
Sweet Water High School and Marengo High School.
Alabama Smoke Alarm Initiative 03/27/2010
Sweet Water Volunteer Fire Department, Alabama Department of
Public Health and the Sweet Water Ladies’
Auxiliary are proud to conduct a program that will help protect lives and
property in Marengo county. This program
is called the Alabama Smoke Alarm Initiative, where volunteers canvass door to
door to offer and install
smoke alarms to residents; who need them free of charge. The Sweet Water
Volunteer Fire Department, Alabama
Department of Public Health and the Sweet Water Ladies’ Auxiliary will kick
off this event on March 27th, 2010 at
Sweet Water Fire Department Station 2, located at 351 Main St.; Sweet Water, AL.
Be a part of this special event.
Snacks and drinks will be provided. We will be looking for volunteers, donations
and a chance to meet our community.
So, if you have a chance, come by the station between 11 AM and 1 PM, Saturday,
March 27th, 2010 and
grab a snack and find out for yourself what we will be doing in your
neighborhood, to help educate and protect
you and your community. For more information, contact Captain James Cortright at
(334) 994-6174 or
Sweet Water Volunteer Fire Department at (334) 994-9911
2009
SMOKEY THE BEAR
SWEET WATER VFD, DIXONS MILLS VFD, SOUTH MARENGO RESCUE SQUAD AND ALABAMA DIVISION OF
FORESTRY TEAM UP TO TEACH FIRE SAFETY TO 2 AREA SCHOOLS AND 1 AREA DAY CARE
On October 7, 2009, the above departments went to Sweet Water High School, Marengo
High School and Mrs. Norris’s Daycare to teach Pre-K through 3rd
Grade Fire Awareness and Fire Safety. Chief
Ronnie Bishop and Department Chaplin Morgan Flowers (Sweet Water Volunteer Fire
Department) taught Fire Awareness and Fire Prevention while Alabama Division of
Forestry Billy Carlisle taught Woodland Fire Safety.
Joining all of us was Smokey the Bear compliments of the Alabama Division
of Forestry while Smokey the Bear had his paw’s shook and his furry belly
hugged, other members of the above departments showed off their equipment and
trucks, teaching the children what our tools are used for, in protecting lives
and saving buildings and our great Alabama forest.
Sweet Water VFD, Dixons Mills VFD, Alabama Division of Forestry and South Marengo
Rescue Squad all want to thank our communities for their tax dollars and
donations that make it possible for us to bring Fire Safety Awareness to our
children.
Article
written by Captain James Cortright
GENERATOR We finally received our new 55 kw
generator. This generator will automatically turn on when normal power
fails. The new generator is cost efficient and runs on propane. The
generator is very important to our department. It will ensure power to run
our communication’s and building in case of power failure due to natural
disasters. We are also happy to add that we received our Thermal Imaging
Camera. This is a great tool for initial assessment and finding hot spots
unseen by the human eye. We hope this camera will help in saving more of
our community’s property.
The generator and camera was purchase by a grant from FEMA.
GREAT NEWS! We have received word that we have been awarded a
grant for the sum of $80,000! With this grant, we finally can purchase a
50 KW generator for our station plus six SCBA’s with spare bottles and an
infrared heat detector. All these items are very needed in our
department. Once again, our department officers have worked hard at
acquiring financial support to help our department raise the level of our
service to residents and surrounding community.
GREAT NEWS EVERYONE! The fire department was awarded a
replacement truck grant at the sum of $200,000 with our cost of $18,000.
We received our new truck on January 12, 2009. It is a 2008 Kenworth
tanker pumper. Tank capacity is 3,000 gallons with 1,250 gallons per
minute pump. After we stock all needed tools, it will be put in
service. We thank FEMA and Sweet Water city council for helping us acquire
this much needed truck for our community.
2008
Our Boot Drive was very successful on October 31, 2008. The community
really came together in donating to our fire department. Also, don’t
forget how many of the Leroy fans contributed to our fundraiser. We, the
Sweet Water Volunteer Fire Department would like to say ‘Thanks’ to all who (out
of the goodness of their hearts) understand the need of contributions to
successfully operate our fire department. Thank you very much.
Sweet Water Volunteer Fire Department
On October 24th, 2008 we signed a contract with Dixons Mills VFD to be their
Automatic Aid partners. We will be responding to Dixons Mills fires when
their page is sounded across the radio. They will respond when they hear
our page is sounded. This will help in response time for both
departments. We are proud to be a partner in serving Dixons Mills and
proud to have Dixons Mills VFD serving in ours.
Chief Ronnie Bishop
Scheduled Meetings
Our department meets the first and third Tuesday nights at 7:00 PM each month at
Firehouse #2. First Tuesday is an administrative meeting and the third
Tuesday are for training. Meetings are open to everyone.
Upcoming Events:
Pancake Dinner hosted by the Sweet Water VFD Ladies Auxiliary will be held at
the Whitley Memorial Station # 2, March 31, 2009 between 6:00 pm – 7:30
pm.
Plates are $5.00 and children under 6 eat for free!
For further information or to purchase tickets, please contact Tabitha
Cornelson at 334-422-2401 or any members from the Sweet Water VFD Ladies.
Hope to see you there!