Demopolis Fire Department outlines changes that include hiring their first female firefighter

The Demopolis Fire Department has made a lot of changes recently, including hiring their first female firefighter.

The department also got a new fire truck with another on the way and are rebuilding the overnight quarters at Station 1. Sitting outside Station 1 on Highway 80, Fire Chief Greg Russell and the department’s first female firefighter, Alazia Neal, spoke with the Black Belt News Network about the momentum building within the department. 

Neal, a Greene County native, recently completed firefighter training and officially joined the department in November. She called the milestone meaningful: “It’s an honor… I’m blessed.”  

Growing up with a passion for helping others, she sees firefighting as a calling. She hopes her presence encourages more women to pursue the profession and says she would love to mentor future female recruits. 

Russell said one of the department’s biggest upgrades is a new 1,000-gallon fire truck, the only one of its size in the fleet. The truck includes a deck gun, a tool the department hasn’t had in years, according to Russell, and one that significantly improves their ability to fight large fires. A new ladder truck is also expected to arrive in May. 

The department is also preparing for a major infrastructure improvement with brand new living quarters addition to fire Station 1. It replaces an aging building that was recently torn down. The new facility will include male and female living quarters, office space, training rooms, a kitchen and a day room, features that bring the department in line with modern standards and support a more diverse workforce. 

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Chief Russell said the upgrades reflect strong support from city leadership. “This council and the mayor… they have really been good to the fire department,” he said, adding that Public Safety Director Rex Flowers has helped the department reach full staffing levels for the first time in years. 

While emergency calls have increased compared to years past, Russell said prevention remains a core mission. Firefighters regularly visit schools, senior centers and community groups to teach fire safety and reduce the risk of devastating home fires. Neal will be part of that outreach. “That’s what we do… that’s part of our job,” Russell said. 

Russell recently met with students at Demopolis High School and plans to expand the department’s presence in local schools. Neal said she looks forward to participating. “I think it’s going to be fun,” she said. 

Neal hopes to earn her EMT certification and continue advancing in the field. While she laughs off suggestions that she might one day become fire chief, Russell doesn’t rule it out. For now, she’s focused on learning, growing and serving the community that welcomed her. 

“Thank you to everyone who helped me throughout this journey,” Neal said. “I’m truly blessed to be in this position.” 

Chief Russell echoed that appreciation: “They’re behind us 100%. We want them to know that we really appreciate that.”