The Andalusia Fire Department improved its ISO rating from a Class 4 to a Class 3, the best ever earned by the local department, Chief Russell McGlamory said.
ISO scores are based on inspections done by the Insurance Services Office. The ISO monitors fire departments’ abilities to respond to emergencies, as well as infrastructure, water departments and many other agencies that factor into an area’s overall safety. ISO then rates the overall safety of an area on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the safest and 10 the most unsafe. High ISO scores can increase home insurance rates in the community.
McGlamory said inspectors spent an entire day reviewing records, equipment and facilities to determine the city’s 2025 rating, which becomes effective on Sept. 1, 2025.
In 2014, the city’s rating improved from a 5 to a 4, which it maintained through two five-year evaluation cycles.
McGlamory said the department’s fire reports, equipment, and communication protocols helped improve the rating.
Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson said Chief McGlamory and all members of the department are to be congratulated for their efforts to improve their ranking.
“I have said many times that our people are our greatest asset and Chief McGlamory and his team have just made that point again,” Johnson said. “Our fire department works every day to improve, to be better and the result is lower insurance rates for our citizens.”
The mayor also praised the Andalusia City Council for its support of the AFD, and the Utilities Board, for their interest in safety.
“The City Council and Utilities Board are to be commended for having the foresight to invest in improving and maintaining infrastructure, equipment, employee development and training that when combined over a period of years, translates into savings for our citizens,” he said. “This rating starts with having an adequate water supply, and the Utilities Board has invested in improving that infrastructure, ensuring that our citizens have plenty of water.
The Andalusia City Council invested in a new pumper truck in 2019, ensuring the AFD can pump 2,000 gallons of water per minute. It also completed renovations to the fire station in the past year.
Command Sergeant Major Meacham Bailey of the Alabama National Guard reminded local residents that Memorial Day is not about cookouts and Monday holidays.
“John 15:13 says it well. ‘Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.’”
“This verse speaks to the heart of what Memorial Day is about, “ he said, citing the obligation society has to remember them, and to live lives worthy of their sacrifice.
CSM Bailey deployed to the Middle East from Andalusia with the 1-117th Field Artillery Battalion, and several members of the unit were in attendance to support him.
The current senior enlisted member of the Alabama National Guard will be the guest speaker at Monday’s Memorial Day Ceremony in Andalusia.
Command Sergeant Major Meacham Bailey is currently assigned as the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of the Alabama National Guard. He previously spent eight years as the leader of Andalusia’s 1-117th Field Artillery Battalion.
The ceremony is set for 10 a.m. on Monday, May 26, at the Covington Veterans Memorial located behind the Andalusia City Hall.
CSM Bailey entered the Alabama Army National Guard on March 14, 1988.
He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Nominative Leaders Course, United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, First Sergeants Course, Combat Life Savers Course, Total Army Instructor Training Course, 13M10 PH II Course, Multiple Launch Rocket System PH I and II Course, Small Group Instructor Training Course, Battle Focused United States Army Training Course, 77W United States Army Reserve School, Primary Leadership Development Course, Reserve Component Instructor Training Course, 13B Cannon Crewman, and United States Field Artillery Training Course.
He previously as served as the 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command’s Command Sergeant Major, Garrison Command Sergeant Major of Fort McClellan Training Center, Brigade Command Sergeant Major of the 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Command, Sergeant Major of the 1-117th Field Artillery Battalion, First Sergeant of the Forward 3 1-117th Field Artillery Battalion at Ali Al Salem Airbase in Kuwait for Operation Iraqi Freedom, First Sergeant of Alpha Battery 3-117th Field Artillery Battalion, Total Army Instructor Course Non-commissioned Officer in charge at Ft. McClellan, 13B Instructor 3rd General Studies Battalion 200th Regiment at Ft. McClellan, 13B Cannon Crewmember, Headquarters and Headquarter Battalion 3-117th Field Artillery Battalion, 92F50 Water Treatment Specialist, 1208th Quartermaster Company, 13B Cannon Crewmember Alpha Battery 2-117th Field Artillery Battalion.
His awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achieve Medal with two oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (6th Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device.
Command Sergeant Major Bailey holds an associate degree in applied science from Mount West Community College. He and his wife, Jacqueline, have two children, Reid and Mary Madyson Bailey. They reside in Roanoke.
The City of Andalusia will be closed Monday, May 26, 2025, in observance of Memorial Day.
Monday’s garbage routes will be picked up on Tuesday, along with Tuesday’s routes.
The City of Andalusia is still seeking lifeguards for its summer and after-school programs.
Lifeguard applicants must be 16 or older; must be strong swimmers, and must be able to pass a lifeguard certification class.
Certification/training is planned May 22 - May 25. The schedule for new hires is as follows:
• Thursday, May 22 - Coleman and Robertson Center Pool, 3 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Friday, May 23 - Blue Lake Camp, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Saturday, May 24 - Coleman and Robertson Center Pool, 9 a.m - 5 p.m.
• Sunday, May 25 - Coleman and Robertson Center Pool, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
To apply for work as a lifeguard, call Johnathan Carpenter at Johnson Park, 222-2714.