Southeast Shelby Rescue

08/06/2025

For Southeast Shelby's July Employee Spotlight we'd like to introduce Paramedic Thomas Rodgers. Thomas is the Captain for A shift at Station 1 in Columbiana, on Battalion 88.

Here's some more about him:

Q: How many years have you worked in EMS?
A: 16 years in total.

Q: How many years have you worked at SESR?
A: 1 year

Q: How did you get your start in EMS?
A: In high school, I joined Helena Fire Explorers and later became a volunteer in the department. I eventually ended up becoming a Paramedic in January of 2018.

Q: Why did you choose EMS?
A: EMS has always been a part of me and my family's lives. Growing up my father was a part of Shelco Fire Department on the original Rescue 1. Having always been around EMS and it's community, the desire for the career was already deep in my roots.

Q: Outside of EMS, what do you enjoy?
A: I enjoy spending time with my family, mountain biking, and watching sports (Roll Tide!).

Q: What is your favorite part of SESR?
A: My favorite part of our department is the leadership I get to work alongside, and the overall positive and energetic culture my co-workers cultivate.

Q: What do you think is the most important part of EMS?
A: The most important part of EMS is camaraderie. We spend 3 entire 24 hour shifts a week together, and live with the reality that some days aren't easy. We get to know each other's partners/spouses, kids, and families. We see each other at the highs and lows in our lives. We spend Birthdays, Holidays, Anniversaries and other important dates together at work instead of at home with our loved ones. It's a harsh truth that we deal with, but being able to walk in every work day, knowing and trusting that all of us have become our own version of "family" makes those issues not so bad after all. There's not a single person in this department who wouldn't give the shirt off their back for another here.

07/02/2025

As July 4th gets closer and you enjoy your holiday with family and friends, please remember to be safe.

06/10/2025

May 18-24th was EMS week, and Crews would like to say a big thank you to everyone who reached out and took the time to recognized us!

06/10/2025

This month Southeast Shelby would like to introduce Jeremy Stewart, as May's employee spotlight! Jeremy serves as a driver/EMT on B shift in Columbiana. Over the last several months, Jeremy has quickly become a friend to everyone at Southeast Shelby. He's truly never met a stranger!

Q: How many years have you worked in EMS?
A: I've served in EMS for 6 years

Q: How long have you been at SESR?
A: I have been here for 6 months.

Q: How did you get your start in EMS?
A: I got my start in EMS volunteering at Odenville Fire Department in 2019.

Q: Why EMS?
A: I chose EMS because I wanted to be a difference maker in someone’s life. Whether it’s literally performing life saving measures, providing basic care, or assisting with life’s daily complications. God allowed me to use this as a ministry to make a difference in my community and the people around me.

Q: Outside of EMS, what do you enjoy?
A: I’m an avid outdoorsman. I hunt, fish, hike, and love being outside. I serve in my church on the music team as a bass guitarist as well.

Q: What's your favorite part of SESR?
A: I love the family dynamic and the diverse community we serve.

Q: What do you think the most important part of EMS is?
A: Jeremy Stewart:
The most important part of EMS is the realization that we are available and present for someone’s worst day. What may not seem like an obvious emergency or is someone’s worst hour. We get the honor to be called upon in that moment to make a change for the better. Whether it’s giving someone a second chance at life or providing comfort/care to someone in the midst of a difficult time in their life. We get to be the light in the world’s darkest moments.

05/27/2025

NOW HIRING! Are you passionate about helping others in critical situations? Do you have the skills and dedication to make a difference? We are currently looking for qualified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or all levels to join our team. Urgent need for right now is Paramedics. If you are ready to be part of an exceptional healthcare team, we want to hear from you!"

05/20/2025

(5/20, 9:11a) - SEVERE UPDATE: Good morning everyone! Conditions will be warm and partly sunny throughout much of the day today. We do have an active period ahead of us beginning late this afternoon and continuing into tonight as a line and perhaps clusters of strong thunderstorms move through the area from northwest to southeast. The greatest threat will be across the northern half of Central Alabama where there is a Level 3 out of 5 risk of severe storms. Threats include tornadoes, some of which could be strong in the Level 3 area, damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph, and large hail up to golf ball size.
Ways to receive the warnings -> Make sure that you have wireless emergency alerts enabled on your smartphone (check in the settings), TV, internet, FM radio, weather apps, and county emergency notification subscriptions are some of the options you can choose from.
Check back for updates!

shelters.shelbyal.com

05/20/2025

Please be aware.

05/20/2025

Please prepare......

shelters.shelbyal.com

05/20/2025

05/13/2025

"Turn Awareness into Action".

May is mental health awareness month. Awareness encourages individuals and communities to move beyond understanding mental health issues and to actively engage in efforts to support mental well-being. This includes seeking help when needed, supporting others, and advocating for systemic changes to improve access to mental health care.

For more information, please click the following link:

https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/mental-health-awareness-month/

05/13/2025

For the month of April, Southeast Shelby Rescue responded to 433 calls to service. Crews also participated in vehicle extrication training with help from NAFECO. Members familiarize themselves with extrication tools, and even got to take apart vehicles with the techniques they learned.

Two representatives from Southeast Shelby Rescue participated in Oak Mountain High Schools career fair. They shared about the career path to becoming EMTs and Paramedics, and some of the skills practiced in the field.

Crews participated in Columbiana's "Touch-a-Truck".

Crews provided standby for Shelby County's Annual Senior Picnic at the Shelby County Exhibition Center.

05/02/2025

Training today with Lifesaver. Learning how to set up and navigate around landing zones.