CRAWFORD, Ala. (WTVM) – A mutual aid agreement between Salem and Crawford volunteer fire departments that lasted 33 years came to an end in October 2025, leaving residents concerned about emergency response and rising insurance costs.
The agreement, dating to 1992, provided Crawford with $50,000 annually to cover an area in Salem that borders the Crawford line. According to Lee County Commissioner Jeff Drury who has part of that district in his area – Salem discontinued the agreement, contending that Crawford was not adequately responding to calls in that coverage area.
However, retired Fire Marshal Randy Dubberly, who lives in the affected area, said Crawford has responded to calls in his neighborhood on several occasions…