Englewood-Hulls VFD Proposes Fire District Vote
A Facebook post by the Englewood Hulls Volunteer Fire Department pretty much tells the story. "This time we need YOUR help!" The department is seeking to become a Fire Protection District which will be a game changer for fire protection in southern Tuscaloosa County.
Englewood Hulls VFD provides 24/7 fire protection and other emergency services to a 50-square-mile area, primarily covering residential areas and businesses along 69-South. That includes Hillcrest, Big Sandy and Englewood-Hulls areas.
The VFD was established in 1987 and responds to some 1,300 calls for assistance annually in an area with more than 7,000 homes.
The Facebook post points out that a vote for becoming a Fire Protection District will be beneficial for those who live and work in the area. It would provide consolidated, specialized, and stable fire/EMS services to the communities, typically resulting in faster response times, better-equipped stations, and lower insurance rates. By combining resources, districts reduce service redundancies and costs while providing consistent 24/7 staffing to both urban and rural areas.
Englewood-Hulls VFD is a volunteer department, but supporters of the fire district point out that becoming a fire district could provide them the opportunity to hire some paid firefighters which would improve response times and capabilities.
The department adds that passing the proposal will add a yearly tax-deductible fire due but will keep residential homeowners insurance from increasing by providing more consistent service.
Residents of portions of southern Tuscaloosa and northern Hale counties will vote once the date has been set by the county commission.
Like most VFDs, Englewood Hulls is in need of volunteers. Person interested can attend a Thursday night around 6-6:30. Training can be provided.
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