Green Pond Fire & Rescue

06/18/2026

Who Responds When You Call for Help?

Many people assume that Green Pond Fire & Rescue is staffed only by paid personnel. While we do have paid staff on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, we also rely heavily on our dedicated volunteers. We are proud to be a combination department made up of both paid and volunteer members.

Both paid and volunteer personnel play vital roles in serving our community, and all active members must meet minimum qualifications to remain on our department roster.

People volunteer with us for many different reasons. Some want to learn more about how the fire service operates. Others are interested in pursuing a career in firefighting or emergency medical services (EMS). Many simply want to give back to their community and help their neighbors in times of need.

We recognize that emergency services can be physically demanding. Because of this, volunteer roles and responsibilities may vary based on an individual's abilities, interests, and goals. This helps ensure the safety of our members while allowing everyone to contribute in meaningful ways.

Our paid personnel are required to meet specific certification standards, which may include Firefighter I/II, EMT Basic, and EMT Paramedic certifications. Many of our volunteers also choose to earn these certifications and become highly trained members of our team.

One of the greatest benefits of volunteering is the opportunity for growth. For those interested in a career in fire or EMS, our department provides training opportunities and sponsorships to help members obtain certifications. When paid positions become available, qualified volunteers are often considered for employment. In fact, several members of our current staff began their journey as volunteers and worked their way into full-time roles.

If you're interested in serving your community, learning new skills, or exploring a career in fire or EMS, we encourage you to stop by, pick up an application, and learn more about becoming part of our team.

Volunteer today and make a difference in your community.

06/09/2026

We are very proud to share that after a thorough grading last year, our Department has been rated as an ISO 4. Here is a detailed description of how we received this grade, along with what it could mean for you.

How does an ISO rating affect you and your insurance bill? When homeowners receive their property insurance bill, one factor many may not realize impacts the cost is their community’s ISO rating. The Insurance Services Office evaluates fire protection services across the country; the score/rating plays a significant role in determining property insurance rates.

What is an ISO Rating? ISO ratings range from 1 to 10: Class 1 is superior fire protection, and Class 10 does not meet minimum standards. Insurance companies use this rating to assess risk. The better the fire protection system in an area, the lower the risk of major fire loss — and that can translate into lower insurance premiums.

ISO ratings are determined by evaluating three main categories: 1. Fire Department (50%), which includes the number of firefighters, training and certifications, equipment and apparatus, and response times. 2. Water Supply (40%), which ISO reviews for hydrant spacing and maintenance, water pressure and flow, and availability of water in rural areas. 3. Emergency Communications (10%), which examines 911 dispatch capabilities, staffing levels, and backup systems.

In rural parts of Alabama, ISO ratings can vary significantly from one area to another. Areas without hydrants or with volunteer-only departments may receive higher (worse) classifications. For homeowners, moving from a Class 7 to a Class 5 area could mean noticeable insurance savings. A Class 9 or 10 rating can lead to substantially higher premiums. Some insurers may limit coverage options in Class 10 areas.

For local governments, improving an ISO rating often means investing in additional firefighters, updated equipment, expanded water infrastructure, and enhanced training. Cities with full-time fire departments and extensive hydrant systems typically score better than rural communities that rely on tanker trucks and volunteer crews. An ISO rating is more than just a number — it reflects how prepared a community is to respond to fires. For homeowners, that number can directly affect what they pay in insurance each year.

We, at Green Pond Fire & Rescue, are very thankful for the community support and glad to see that support reflected in these ratings. We still have work to do, but we are glad to see where things are going.

06/05/2026

It was another busy month. We are glad to be able to help our citizens when they have a need. Thank you for your support!

05/25/2026

Everyone have a safe and happy holiday. We remember those who gave their all for our wonderful freedoms that we enjoy today.

05/18/2026

This week is National EMS Week. We are very thankful to have trained emergency medical service providers close to home. When you see these guys and gals out in the community, be sure to say thank you for their service. They do make a difference!

05/14/2026

05/13/2026

Thank you for your service. We appreciate what you do for our community.

05/10/2026

To all of the mothers, we wish you a very happy Mother's Day. May you be blessed with much happiness and joy!

05/06/2026

If the weather gets stormy and you need a safe place, Woodstock Elementary storm shelter will be opening at 1 PM. Everyone stay safe.

05/04/2026

To those serving today, in every part of the world—thank you.