U.S. Fire Chief Rob Cameron thanks all who answered the call

By Felicia Farnsworth

On Saturday morning, February 15, at approximately 4:15 a.m. Union Springs Fire Chief Rob Cameron got the call that the La Azteca building was on fire. The fire department responded with both fire trucks and calls were placed for assistance from neighboring departments. Within thirty minutes of the call, the Fitzpatrick Volunteer Fire Department had three trucks on the scene. Within the hour, other departments started to show up.

Fitzpatrick brought approximately 10,000 gallons of water and started water shuttle operations. Pike Road Fire Department showed up and set up their Aerial Ladder Truck with Highway 51 supplying them with water. Troy Fire Department showed up with an Engine and Ladder Truck followed by Tuskegee who set up their Aerial Ladder Truck. Shorter Volunteer Fire Department showed up with a 3,000-gallon tanker truck followed by the V.A. Hospital Fire Department with an Engine.

Troy and Pike Road Fire Departments, along with Union Springs and Fitzpatrick Fire Departments, had interior crews on the scene who successfully cut the fire off from inside the Fair Company building on the top floor.

Union Springs Police Department and Bullock County Sheriff’s Department were on scene to manage the crowd of onlookers. Two of our “Boys in Blue” are also volunteer firefighters who assisted in battling the fire.

“I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to all of our neighboring fire departments who answered our call for help. Even though we had great loss, we were truly blessed to have the help come so quickly and work so diligently to save the other buildings,” stated Fire Chief Rob Cameron. “To the people who brought food, drinks, and offered to open their businesses, we greatly appreciate your support and thoughtfulness. Your kindness did not go unnoticed and will be remembered.”