The State of Alabama awarded $1,147.50 to each of the 16 volunteer fire departments in Butler County on July 24 at a Firefighter Association meeting. (Advocate Staff/Patty Vaughan)

The State of Alabama awarded $1,147.50 to each of the 16 volunteer fire departments in Butler County on July 24 at a Firefighter Association meeting. The grant is awarded each year and is allotted in the state budget through the Alabama Forestry Commission. Pictured from left to right are Rep. Charles Newton and Jeff Owens, ranger technician with the Alabama Forestry Commission.