Columbiana Fire Department

09/03/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Firefighter Travaras Mallory

This month, we are proud to recognize Firefighter Travaras Mallory, better known as “Peanut” around the fire station, for his dedication to the Columbiana Fire Department and the citizens we serve.

His can-do work ethic is second to none, and his commitment to serving others is evident in everything he does.

How long have you been a volunteer firefighter? “I have been a volunteer since 2020 with Columbiana.”

What is your favorite part of being a volunteer? “Helping others in their time of need.”

What do you do for a career? “I work for a medical company as a Compliance Safety Specialist.”

What are your hobbies, and how do you balance family life? “My hobbies consist of alone time on my motorcycle riding, spending time with my family, and being involved at our church.”

What his fellow firefighters and officers have to say:

“Travaras has been a great asset to Columbiana Fire since joining. He is very dedicated to the fire department as well as to the citizens of Columbiana. He is an extremely hard worker and does anything asked of him. Most of the time, he does it before he's asked. If he sees a need, then he makes sure the need is addressed. His dedication to the department shows in the certifications that he has acquired from the Alabama Fire College and IFSAC.”

Another fellow firefighter shared:

“Travaras's work ethic is very strong. He doesn't have any problem following directions, and if nothing has been assigned to him, he finds something to do to keep the trucks in operating order. He's very knowledgeable and works well with others. He loves interacting with the public. If you needed a worker, he's the ideal candidate.”

So, if you pass by the fire station on a Saturday morning, you're likely to see Firefighter Mallory out front checking off the fire trucks and shining them up.

Give him a honk when you see him!

Thank you, Firefighter Mallory, for setting an example of what a strong work ethic looks like and for your continued dedication to the Columbiana Fire Department and the people we serve.

09/02/2026

08/17/2026

August 18th, National Volunteer Firefighters Day.

Please see press release from McCord Fire Chief Rich Lindsay.

08/05/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Lieutenant Dunnaway

This month, we are proud to recognize Lieutenant Dunnaway for his dedication to the Columbiana Fire Department and his remarkable ability to balance the many roles he serves both within our department and in his everyday life.

How long have you been a volunteer with CFD?
"I think 12 years."

What certifications do you have?
Firefighter II (Recruit School), EMT-Basic, Rapid Intervention Team (RIT), Hazardous Materials (Hazmat), and numerous other certifications.

What is your favorite part of being a volunteer firefighter?
"Being a part of an organization that helps people and serving my community."

What do you do for a career?
"I am a real estate agent."

You're currently in school. What are you pursuing?
"I'm currently in law school and have one year remaining before I graduate."

What other activities do you participate in?
"I volunteer as a youth baseball coach for my son's team."

A Little More About Lieutenant Dunnaway

Lieutenant Dunnaway is a graduate of the Class of 2009 from Cornerstone Christian School and he’s also earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

Within the fire department, Lt. Dunnaway wears many hats. In addition to his leadership responsibilities, he oversees many of the department's communications needs and consistently brings the same discipline, professionalism, and attention to detail that he applies in his personal and professional life.

Whether he's serving clients as a real estate agent, pursuing a law degree, coaching his son's baseball team, spending time with his family, or answering the call as a volunteer firefighter, Lt. Dunnaway demonstrates what it means to serve with commitment and purpose.

If there is a perfect example of someone who truly has "many irons in the fire" while continuing to make a meaningful impact as a volunteer firefighter, it is Lieutenant Dunnaway.

Thank you, Lieutenant Dunnaway, for your dedication, leadership, and continued service to the Columbiana Fire Department and the community we proudly serve.

07/28/2026

makemeafirefighter.org

07/06/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Firefighter Sutton

This month's Volunteer Spotlight recognizes Firefighter Sutton, whose dedication to the Columbiana community extends far beyond the fire station.

How long have you been a volunteer firefighter?
"I've been a volunteer firefighter for 30 years, all with the Columbiana Fire Department."

What is your favorite part of being a volunteer?
"My favorite part is being able to help people and make a difference."

What did you do for your career?
"I retired from the Shelby County Board of Education, where I worked as a Maintenance Technician."

What are your hobbies, and how do you balance family life?
"When I have time, I enjoy fishing, being involved in youth sports, and spending time with my family. Balancing family life can be challenging, but we enjoy going out to eat, playing cards, and just sitting around laughing and talking together."

A Little More About Firefighter Sutton

If you've spent any time around Columbiana, chances are you've seen Firefighter Sutton serving our community in more ways than one.

Recently, he was recognized by the Shelby County Youth Baseball organization for his many years of dedication behind the plate as an umpire. In honor of his service and his role in helping build the foundation of youth baseball in our community, the organization dedicated "Sutton Field" in his honor.

He has also been a familiar face officiating youth basketball games throughout Columbiana and the surrounding communities, investing countless hours into the lives of young athletes.

At the fire department, Firefighter Sutton is often among the first to respond during the day, especially to public assist calls, and he continues to answer emergency calls whenever his body allows him to do so. His willingness to serve, positive attitude, and dependable "can do, will do" spirit have made him an invaluable member of our department for three decades.

We are incredibly grateful for Firefighter Sutton's unwavering dedication to the Columbiana Fire Department and to the community he loves. If you see him around town—especially at a ball field or basketball court—take a moment to thank him for the many years he has invested in making Columbiana a better place. 🇺🇸🚒⚾️🏀

06/26/2026

🚒 THANK YOU, MAIN STREET FLORIST & SUSAN CONN! 🌸🇺🇸🇺🇸 The Columbiana Fire Department would like to thank Susan Conn of Main Street Florist for her unwavering and continued support of public safety in Columbiana. Thank you, Susan Conn, for the beautiful ribbons.🇺🇸🇺🇸

06/25/2026

Tomorrow, our Columbiana, Alabama downtown will come alive like never before. The streets will be filled with families, friends, vendors, musicians, and visitors from near and far as we celebrate three remarkable milestones: the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, the 200th anniversary of Columbiana becoming the county seat of Shelby County, and the 40th anniversary of our beloved Liberty Day Celebration.

As you enjoy everything this day has to offer, I hope you’ll take a moment to recognize the countless hours of hard work poured into this event by our city employees, volunteers, organizers, and public safety personnel. Their dedication, along with the incredible generosity of the sponsors, has made this year’s celebration one for the history books. Please thank them, support them, and let them know how much their efforts are appreciated.

Let us also remember the 56 courageous men who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor by signing the Declaration of Independence. And let us never forget the generations of American service members who have fought, sacrificed, and, for many, given their lives so that we might continue to enjoy the blessings of liberty and freedom.

It won’t be long until the lights shine, the music begins, and the stage comes alive. New memories will be made, old friendships renewed, and for a little while, we’ll celebrate not only where we’ve been, but the promise of where we’re going.

Ladies and gentlemen… get ready to clap your hands, make some noise, celebrate your community, celebrate your country…

And let’s get ready to enjoy the 40th Annual Liberty Day Celebration