Red Oak volunteer firefighter receives Fort Novosel safety award – The Andalusia Star-News

John Major Parker of the Red Oak community recently received a Certificate of Achievement from the Directorate of Public Safety at Fort Novosel in Dale County, Alabama.

Parker’s work supervisor informed him on Monday, July 1, that he needed to report immediately to the Cairns Army Airfield Fire Department in Daleville. He was not given any additional information or reason why his presence was necessary.

“Receiving this award was humbling because I am just a small part of the training they receive. I gave a 15-minute presentation to the class about the TH-1 Huey helicopter for the United States Air Force,” Parker said. “As a volunteer firefighter, I understand that training is a very important part of the mission. These guys deserve so much more than I do because they put their lives on the line every day for everyone at the airport. While I am proud to be recognized for doing this with them for over a decade, the first word that comes to mind is humbling.”

As a child, Parker suffered burns at just 6 months old and underwent approximately 38 plastic surgeries.

“I want to give back or try to save someone from having to go through the pain and surgeries that I had to go through. I think community service is important in many ways, and God has been good to me over the years. I have health issues as a disabled veteran, but as long as God allows me to work in the fire department and help veterans and other first responders in Alabama, I will continue to do so,” he said.

He has been a firefighter with the Red Oak Volunteer Fire Department for five years.

“Having this opportunity to serve my community as a volunteer firefighter is a blessing from above. Through this recognition, I hope people see that they can make a positive difference, no matter how small, by helping others. I hope to be able to help them for another decade because they truly are heroes in so many ways,” Parker said.

Parker thanked his colleagues for helping him receive the distinction.

“I would like to thank the firefighters at Cairns Army Airfield and all the crew for recommending the award. To the Director of Public Safety and the Chief of Fire Protection at Fort Novosel, I appreciate you both. I would also like to give a special thanks to the Chief Fire Officer at Florala, Anthony Jones, for coming down from Hanchey Field to say the good things, present some of the awards and personally say the kind words to me,” he said.

He added that he is grateful to everyone around him, from his loved ones to his fellow firefighters.

“It means the world to me to have people who support me and call me to help them with something. Being a firefighter is a brotherhood like no other and it’s similar to being in the military. You have to lift each other up and support each other. My family sees that I wear many hats in life and I do it to keep busy because it helps me deal with my PTSD. My family and friends support me and love me.”

Parker provided honest advice to both the community and the general public.

“We all have a precious time on this earth. Love God, love your family and love each other because tomorrow is not guaranteed. Help where you can and whom you can. Your small act of kindness can make or break someone who is contemplating suicide or struggling with excessive stress,” he said.

Fort Novosel Fire Chief and Public Safety Director Jeremy Evett and Vice Chancellor for Public Safety John T. Burch presented Parker with a certificate of achievement.

The certificate contains the following information:

“Let it be known that Mr. Parker has played an important role in training and better preparing both new firefighters assigned to Fort Novosel and future chief firefighters who are preparing to lead others. Mr. Parker has facilitated emergency shutdown and aircraft familiarization training for TH-1 Huey personnel on numerous occasions. His knowledge, character and helpfulness have better prepared the personnel for the emergencies they may face. We present this award as a small token of our gratitude and appreciation for the hard work he has put in.”

Major and his wife Donna will celebrate their ninth wedding anniversary on Wednesday, July 17. They are the parents of four sons: Lane Hunt, Griffin Hunt, Ryan Parker and Braxton Hunt.