Gary W. Waters, Fire Chief

Chief Waters began his fire service career as a military firefighter in the United States Army. He started his career with the City of Pelham, as a firefighter, in 1977. Chief Waters is the past president of the Shelby County Fire Chief's Association, the Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs, and is currently filling his third term as the Chairman of the Shelby County Emergency Communications Commission (911). He is also in his second term as president of the Shelby County Christian Law Enforcement and Firefighters' Association. Chief Waters is an EMT-Paramedic, Smokediver, Certified Wildland Firefighter with the U.S. Forestry Service, and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resource Management. He has a total of twenty-nine years of fire service and has been the Fire Chief for the City of Pelham since 1984.

Michael L. Howell, Deputy Chief

Chief Howell began his fire service career as a military firefighter in the United States Air Force. He has a total of thirty-five years fire service and has been with the City of Pelham for twenty-five years. He is Chief of Operations and the Commander of "A" Shift. Chief Howell holds an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Southern Technical Institute, and Certification at Fire Officer III and Fire Instructor III levels from the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications. Chief Howell is an instructor at the Alabama Fire College and Jefferson State Community College.

Daniel B. Endress, Battalion Chief

Chief Endress began his fire service career in Cahaba Heights in 1977.  He came to the City of Pelham in 1979 where he has served as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Driver/Engineer, Lieutenant, and Captain.  Chief Endress also served as the department’s Director of Emergency Medical Service for twelve years.  He has held the rank of Battalion Chief for nine years and is currently the Commander of “C” Shift.  Chief Endress is also responsible for the procurement of all resource material, supplies, and buildings for the department.  Chief Endress is an EMT-Paramedic, Smokediver, and is near completion of his degree in Safety Engineering.  He is currently on the Birmingham Regional Emergency Medical Services System (BREMSS) Executive Board, where his has served since 1984.

James M. Roberts, Battalion Chief

Chief Roberts began his fire service career in 1977 as a volunteer firefighter with Hueytown Fire Department and joined Pelham Fire Department in 1979. Chief Roberts serves as the Commander of "B" Shift and is also responsible for maintenance of department vehicles and safety equipment for department personnel. Chief Roberts holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Service Management from Athens State College, A Master of Arts in Agency Counseling from The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 12 levels of certification from the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards and Education Commission, and has completed post-graduate work at The University of Alabama. Chief Roberts is a State licensed EMT-Paramedic, is nationally certified at the advanced level in Critical Incident Stress Management, and has been involved in debriefing emergency personnel since 1995. 

Stephen E. Powell, Captain - Fire Marshal

Captain Powell began his fire service career at Pelham in 1978 as a volunteer firefighter. He was hired 1981 and presently serves in the position of Fire Marshal. Captain Powell is responsible for the operations of the Fire Prevention Bureau, which performs building plans review, inspections, public education programs, origin and cause investigations, and a variety of other support duties. Captain Powell holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Safety Administration from Athens State University, 14 levels of certification from the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards and Education Commission, is a Certified Smoke Diver by the Florida Fire College, has attended courses at the National Fire Academy, and is a graduate of the Jefferson County Law Enforcement Academy. Captain Powell has served as the President of the Fire Marshals Association of Alabama and is an instructor at the Alabama Fire College.

Danny C. Ray, Captain - Emergency Medical Services Director

Captain Ray began his fire service career at Pelham in 1972 as a junior volunteer firefighter. He was hired in 1979, promoted to Lieutenant in 1989, and promoted to Captain in 1996. He presently serves as the Director of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Captain Ray is responsible for the operations of the EMS Division of the Fire Department, which includes maintaining medical training for all the department's Paramedics and EMTs. He is also responsible for maintaining patient medical records and EMS supplies and equipment. Captain Ray holds an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Fire Science Management from Shelton State Community College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Safety Administration from Athens State University, 12 levels of certification from the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards and Education Commission, and Basic and Advanced Life Support Instructor certification form the American Heart Association.

David E. McCurry, Captain - Training Officer

Captain McCurry, begin his fire service career as a volunteer for the City of Pelham in 1977. He was hired as a full time firefighter in 1979. In 1990 he was promoted to Lieutenant at station one. In 2000 he was assigned to the training division and now serves as the training officer responsible for all fire training for the City of Pelham Fire Department. Captain McCurry is presently working on his degree in Emergency Medical Service Administration. He currently holds 10 levels of certification with the Alabama State Fire College and Personnel Standards and Education Commission. He is a Certified National Register EMT-Paramedic, Certified Smoke Diver by the Florida State Fire College, and a Certified Wildland Firefighter through the United State Forest Service.