Alabama Fire College

The Alabama Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission

The Alabama Firefighters' Personnel Standards and Education Commission is established by Section 36-32-2 of the Code of Alabama 1975 and is made up of seven appointed members. The Governor appoints four members. The Alabama Firefighters' Association and The Professional Fire Fighters of Alabama each appoint one member. The State Fire Marshal serves as a member by virtue of his position.

Among other duties established by law, the Commission certifies individual firefighters meeting the minimum standards established, as well as training and education programs for the fire service in Alabama.

	Chairman Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza was appointed to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission in 1999 by the Governor. He joined Vestavia Fire Department in 1969, and has risen through the ranks to his current position of Fire Chief. Current Term Expires: 6/7/2015 bzaragoza@alabamafirecollege.org
	Vice Chairman David Boyd, Ph.D. was appointed to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission by the Governor in 2004. He is an Assistant Chief with the Anniston Fire Department, where he has served since 1982. Dr. Boyd is a member of the fire science faculty of Columbia Southern University. Current Term Expires: 2/14/2012 dboyd@alabamafirecollege.org
	Chief Howard Summerford was appointed to the Commission by the Alabama Firefighters Association in 2011. He began his fire service career in 1967 with the Center Point Fire District and served as Fire Chief 2001-2011. He was also employed with Birmingham Fire & Rescue for 23 years and retired in 2000 at the rank of Captain. Chief Summerford holds an AAS degree in fire science from Jefferson State Community College where he serves on the fire science degree advisory committee. He is also Chairman of the Jefferson County 9-1-1 Board. Current Term Expires: NA hsummerford@alabamafirecollege.org
	Commissioner Ralph Cobb was appointed to the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission by the Governor in 2006. Presently serving as Chief of Madison Fire & Rescue, Cobb began his service as a volunteer firefighter in 1981. Chief Cobb holds a Master of Education from Auburn University and is a graduate of the NFA's Executive Fire Officer Program. Current Term Expires: 7/13/2014. rcobb@alabamafirecollege.org
	Commissioner Dwight Graves was appointed to Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission by the Governor in 2005. He has served in the Fire Service since 1987 and is currently with the City of Homewood Fire Department as a firefighter paramedic. He has a BS degree in Homeland Security/Public Safety and is Board certified in Homeland Security. Current Term Expires: 6/11/2013 dgraves@alabamafirecollege.org
	Commissioner Edward Paulk is currently serving on the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission as the State Fire Marshal. Mr. Paulk has been in the Fire Marshal's office since 1984 and was appointed in April, 2003 to serve on the commission. State Fire Marshal appointed by State Legislation. Current Term Expires: No Expiration Date epaulk@alabamafirecollege.org
	Commissioner Roger Dale Wyatt, the president of PFFA, began his tenure January 2007. Wyatt has worked for the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service since 1991 and is currently a Lieutenant. Mr. Wyatt holds degrees in Public Safety Administration from Athens State, an AAS from Jefferson State and NREMT-Paramedic training from UAB. Current Term Expires: 7/1/2012 dwyatt@alabamafirecollege.org