It was the summer of 1975.

While the country busied itself with the Vietnam war and the scandals of Watergate, little attention would be paid to a report that a little house burned somewhere in South Montgomery County, Alabama.

Most people say the house had the misfortune of being struck by lightning, as it obviously was quickly consumed with flames.  The woman who lived there alone was fortunate to survive, but was hospitalized for injuries and smoke inhalation.  Her name was Mildred Smith.

Outside the immediate area, few citizens would give that day's burning much more than a sympathetic headshake, and for most folks it would likely be forgotten in the following days.  However, indicative of the nature of good people who live in mid-south Alabama, there were those who were watching and paying careful attention.  Fires can be very deadly, for people of all ages, but most especially for children and senior adults.  If this misfortune could happen to Mildred, it could happen to anybody.

It was an awakening moment of realization for citizens in the area, who recognized that living in rural areas often means there's not enough fire protection.  Lives could be endangered.

Call it fate, or call it a lucky break, but not long after Mildred's encounter with fire, Marion and Tom Ellis moved to a home in the community of Dublin, Alabama.  Tom's keen interest in his new home and surroundings ultimately led to questions about what level of fire protection might be available.  Asking questions, Tom learned that there had once been interest in a volunteer fire department, chartered in 1968 to the town of Ramer.  Their early efforts included use of a school bus donated by the County Board of Education , it was used to haul volunteers to and from reported emergencies.  Larry Menefee had served as its chief, and the group had even acquired a one-ton Diamond-T Truck for use to combat fires, but due to the difficulties of the time restraints and financial aid, the volunteer fire department was later disbanded. 

Tom and other property owners realized that in case of an actual emergency, competent and complete fire protection was simply not close enough to serve the community's needs, whatever the call , from brush fires to life-threatening.  As it stood, a fire could engulf a house or building in minutes before the fire fighters could drive the distance, usually from the Snowden Community.

Just as Mildred Smith's house didn't have a chance , neither would any other homes, any other businesses, schools and community gathering places , not unless something was done to bring back the community fire fighters.

The interest in re-instating the Volunteer Fire Department as an effective and efficient organization grew, and attracted community attention.  Tom and Marion helped in gathering records from the previous fire department, held discussion groups, and worked in developing volunteer support.  With elected officers in place, the new volunteer fire department really began shaping up.

Tom, elected as fire chief, held the position for the next seventeen years.  Floyd Glenn Hicks became the assistant chief and Marion, secretary.  The organization officially became known as the South Montgomery County Fire Protection Authority and Rescue Squad.  

Getting things moving included getting the use of a used 2- ½ ton GMC truck recycled from the Forestry Commission through an agreement between the Montgomery County Commission and the South Montgomery County Fire Protection Authority.

But the truck had to be properly outfitted, and that could be costly.  Resourcefully, the volunteers held numerous local fundraisers and solicited donations.   Grants from the Forestry Commission and Montgomery County Commission helped, and their first fire truck was completely overhauled and ready for service , all at the same time volunteers worked to clear the land to build the fire hall.

In 1977, county funds provided the $2,454 for the first 10 sets of the fire fighter's turn-out gear.  (Today, those prices top out at $49,000 for the recently ordered 24 sets.)

To improve reach, a station was added in Ramer to house a pumper, tanker and rescue truck.  Another building in Pine Level housed additional vehicles.  The first pumper was purchased by a loan from the First Farmers & Merchants Bank of Troy, AL.  Marion and Tom Ellis, along with Bobby Jinright and Richard Pitnam stepped up to sign the note.   

The first pumper was eventually sold first to James Deese, and then later found its way home with David Miles.

Over the seventeen years, the volunteers purchased almost three vehicles solely from donations, fundraisers and (voluntary) fees collected from the Ramer Water Company and Pine Level Water Authority water bills.

We can be proud of the dedication of the volunteers and members of the South Montgomery Volunteer Fire Department, who in an average week may answer three or four calls , some serious, some not so serious.  Each volunteer is very well trained for the not so easy job that comes his way, while their motto, "No matter the call, they always roll", is the picture painted of volunteers who work while wearing fifty pounds of emergency and protective gear.

Simply because the volunteer fire department is present, we appreciate lower insurance rates.  Because of their dedication and devotion to be of service to the community, we have peace of mind.  Somebody will be there to answer the call.

Mildred Smith would be pleased.