Anniston, AL – The City of Anniston recognized the Anniston Fire Department “B” shift for rescuing two residents during a residential structure fire on December 22, 2025. The ceremony was opened by Fire Chief Johnnie Phelps, who stated, “You all did a good job, and I know that, but you did it excellent that day.” Chief Phelps went on to introduce Mayor Ciara Smith, City Council Member Julie Moss, and City Council Member Erica Tolson to the attendees.
Chief Phelps then handed the podium over to Anniston Public Relations Director Jackson Hodges, who commended the integrity of the firefighters who work in Anniston. Hodges stated, “I love Anniston, and every opportunity we get to clap and pat our team members on the back, we should absolutely do that.” Hodges went on to say, “I’ve always felt if there was a fire or if something dangerous happened, I’d be okay because we have great first responders. And because of that, in 32 years, nothing bad has ever happened to me, any property I own, or anyone I really know personally. But when it does happen, you guys save lives.”
Chief Phelps returned to the podium to address the attendees and started by saying, “Alright, today I’m going to take a moment to publicly recognize a team of firefighters whose commitment through continuous training and teamwork made all the difference in a recent structure fire where two lives were saved last month. We all know that what we do isn’t about flashes of bravery or singular acts. It’s about months and years of training, repetition, preparation, and practice until the right response becomes second nature.”
Chief Phelps discussed the training levels of the firefighters and the investment they put into the department. He continued by stating, “Their actions weren’t improvised. They were the result of deliberate practice, shared standards, and coordinated teamwork that this department values every day. To the firefighters involved, thank you for your focus, your discipline, and your commitment to excellence. You represent what this department stands for, not because of what you did on one night, but because of how you prepare every day.”
Anniston Mayor Ciara Smith then took the podium to address the attendees. Mayor Smith started by saying, “There are two jobs that I probably could not do, and that would be a police officer and a firefighter. So I want to take the time to thank you all for the sacrifices you continuously make, not only for the City of Anniston, but you go beyond that and really serve this region, setting the tone for what it means to be a public servant.”
Mayor Smith then read the formal proclamation from the City of Anniston that was signed by the city council and the mayor. The proclamation read as follows:
CITY OF ANNISTON
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, on December 22, 2025, members of the Anniston Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire involving civilians trapped inside the residence; and
WHEREAS, firefighters arrived to heavy smoke, extreme heat, and rapidly deteriorating conditions that posed an immediate threat to life; and
WHEREAS, Incident Commander Lieutenant Kyle Yancy performed an initial size-up and communicated clear objectives to responding crews to coordinate rescue and suppression efforts; and
WHEREAS, Engine 1 personnel—Sergeant Seth McAllister, Sergeant Blake McCurry, Firefighter Richard Evancho, and Firefighter Sean Perez—conducted a primary search of the first floor and successfully removed a trapped civilian; and
WHEREAS, Engine 2 personnel—Lieutenant Josh Cornett, Sergeant Rex Newton, and Firefighter Jason Mayfield—conducted a primary search of the second floor and assisted a resident from the structure; and
WHEREAS, Engine 4 personnel—Lieutenant Austin Key, Firefighter Blake Noah, and Firefighter Kyle Bonds—initiated fire suppression efforts that improved interior conditions for trapped residents and search crews; and
WHEREAS, the coordinated actions of these officers and firefighters resulted in the preservation of human life and exemplified exceptional courage, professionalism, and teamwork.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Anniston City Council hereby commends and recognizes these members of the Anniston Fire Department for their heroic service and unwavering commitment to protecting the citizens of Anniston.
Adopted and presented by the Anniston City Council on this 21st day of January, 2026.
Chief Phelps spoke with The Calhoun Journal and said, “I am so proud of these guys. They work hard, even when they are not on calls, to ensure they are ready for any possible emergency that may arise.”
