Passing of an Icon

It is a sad time for the Fire & Rescue Services in Chilton County, Alabama. Charles Culp, the first and only Fire Chief of the Union Grove Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department passed this weekend as a result from complications of an illness. Chief Culp founded the UGVFD in the early 70's and that started a trend. He laid the groundwork for Fire & Rescue services countywide and beyond. For years Chief Culp dispatched county units from his basement. Besides sending units to emergencies, Chief Culp kept units informed of approaching severe weather and kept track of Santa as he made his way to the homes of firefighter's with his radar system. Chief Culp maintained this center until the early 90's when the county established it's own 911 center. Even then it was nothing unusual to hear him giving reports on occasion. Chief Culp was one of those who caught your attention when he came across the radio, whether dispatching or on a call with his department. Besides the fire service he was a well established and well known fruit farmer. Even though I have never been a member of the UGVFD I have known Chief Culp my entire life and learned a great deal of knowledge from him as have many others over the years. Please keep Chief Culp's family and members in your prayers. He will lie in state tonight and will have a Firefighters Funeral tommarow. Rest is peace 701.

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Permalink Reply by ladyrehab18 on February 15, 2009 at 1:22pm

I'm so sorry for your loss...sounds like he was a very special man...

My thoughts are with all who will miss him....may he forever RIP

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Permalink Reply by Asst. Chief GARY L. NEWMAN on February 15, 2009 at 3:41pm

I hope he got the recognition he deserved while he was alive. May his life and dedication to the fire/ems service be an inspiration to those just coming up. Deepest sympathy to his family and friends. Another 'Firefighter Angel" in heaven.