In 1997 it became obvious Abernant needed a fire department. The community responded with meetings and discussions about how to get started and soon a board was established and the business operations began with establishing our first station.
Our first station was ambitious. A 50x100 ft building (larger than any other volunteer department in our area) would make it possible for us to house substantial equipment and provide training areas for our volunteers. The building was paid in full in summer of 2005.
In 2007 Abernant Fire became the first volunteer department in the state to acquire the AutoPulse. A revolutionary CPR device which saves 500% more patients than standard CPR.
With a steadily increasing number of volunteers, our efforts have focused strongly on intensive training and certification of our volunteers. Abernant Fire leads the way among Tuscaloosa volunteer departments for Federal National Incident Management System certifications. We also have the highest average level of certifications per volunteer of ANY department in the county.
In 2007 the Tuscaloosa County election office oversaw the wording, notification dates and subsequent voting to establish the Abernant Fire District. The voting results were inspected and confirmed by the Tuscaloosa Election office and the overseeing judge. The establishment of an official Fire District allows Abernant Fire Dept to pursue grants for newer fire trucks, rescue equipment, fire hydrants and satellite stations. By increasing our firefighting readiness and capability, home insurance rates will drop dramatically with each ISO evaluation.
Our apparatus has changed over the years and we still have MUCH to do regarding the age and dependability of our equipment. However, in 2008 Abernant was awarded a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant to purchase much needed turnout gear, wildland firefighting gear and safety equipment for our volunteers. We now have complete sets of new turnouts, helmets, boots, and wildland jumpsuits.
The FEMA Grant also allowed us to purchase brand new Self Contained Breathing Apparatus so our firefighters can enter burning building to rescue survivors and to extinguish fires.