First annual Fire and Life Safety Awards recognize service and passion for risk reduction

Captain Dan Pickens of Madison Fire and Rescue has demonstrated exceptional dedication to fire prevention, life safety education, and community risk reduction. Through school programs, smoke alarm installations, CPR training, public events, and outreach to residents of all ages, Captain Pickens has made prevention education an important part of serving his community. In 2025 alone, his efforts helped reach more than 5,000 children and supported dozens of classes, safety demonstrations, station tours, and community events. His passion for education and commitment to helping others make him an outstanding recipient of the Fire & Life Safety Educator Award.

Nominees for this award included: Brandon Sivley (Decatur), Dan Pickens (Madison), David Brasher (Irondale), Derrick Huskey, Dwight Smith (Mobile), Eric Rolph (Crossville), Holly Whigham (Tuscaloosa), James Robinson (Springville), Jason Brown (Anniston), Richard Embry (Munford), Sharon Reeves (Theodore Dawes), and Wesley Wilson (Boaz).

Charlie Dixon of Thomasville Volunteer Fire Department has shown outstanding leadership in fire prevention, public education, and community risk reduction. By making safety education a central part of the department’s mission, Dixon has helped extend fire and life safety outreach throughout Thomasville and surrounding communities. Through school visits, hands-on presentations, and community engagement, he has helped reinforce the idea that firefighters are not only emergency responders, but also educators and advocates for prevention. His leadership and commitment to building safer communities make him a deserving recipient of the Chief Advocate for Prevention Award.

Nominees for this award included: Charlie Dixon (Thomasville), Richard Embry (Munford), Josh McDaniel (Irondale), Howard McFarlen (Huntsville), Dwight Smith (Mobile), and Travis & Dana Strickland (Shinbone Valley).

Following the tragic loss of a Cedar Hill Elementary student in a house fire, Principal Nona Adams turned grief into action. After learning that the family did not have a working smoke alarm, Adams partnered with Ardmore Fire and Rescue to help ensure families throughout her school community had access to working smoke alarms and understood the importance of having a home escape plan. The resulting school-wide initiative reached more than 600 students and families and created a powerful example of how schools and fire departments can work together to prevent future tragedies. Her compassion, leadership, and determination to protect her students make her an outstanding Community Impact Award recipient.

Shinbone Valley Fire & Rescue may be a small volunteer department, but its impact on the community is anything but small. With just 13 active members, the department provides extensive fire prevention education, smoke alarm outreach, severe weather support, and community service throughout Clay County. For the past decade, its Kids Fire Prevention and Safety Camp has helped teach hundreds of children valuable fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and life-saving skills. Through school outreach, safety classes, strong community partnerships, and year-round service, Shinbone Valley Fire & Rescue has built a culture centered on prevention, preparedness, and connection with the people it serves.

Nominees for this award included: American Red Cross – Lola Gillard-Mayes, Brandon Tunstill (Harvest), Decatur Fire/Rescue – Lt. Brandon Sivley, Eric Rolph (Crossville), Homewood Fire Foundation, Irondale Fire Department, Lieutenant Johnny Eidson (Springville), Munford Volunteer Fire Department, Nona Adams (Cedar Hill Elementary), Richard Embry (Munford), Shinbone Valley Fire and Rescue, Stewart Lee State Farm Agency, and The University of Alabama EHS Fire Safety Team.