Alabama

Death	One time: There is a benefit of $50,000 if the death is accidental, deliberate, or a result of injuries received in the performance of duties. Delayed death (up to 10 years) also qualifies for the benefit. The application must be filed within a year from date of death. Volunteers are also eligible for a total disability compensation of $50,000. Contact: State Department of Finance, Alabama State Capitol. 600 Dexter Avenue, Suite N-105, Mongomergy, AL 36130. Phone: (334) 242-7160. Workers Compensation: Coverage for volunteer firefighters is not mandated. Local jurisdictions may elect to provide coverage. Contact: Workers Compensation, Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, 646 Monroe Street, Montgomery, AL 36131. Phone: (334) 353-0990 or (800) 528-5166. www.dir.state.al.us/wc. Funeral: A maximum of $3,000 is available for burial expenses. Contact: Workers Compensation, Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, 646 Monroe Street, Montgomery, AL 36131. Phone: (334) 353-0990 or (800) 528-5166. www.dir.state.al.us/wc. Pension: None. Child's Education: The education benefit covers tuition, fees, books, and supplies. There is no limit on the amount awarded for undergraduate study at any state college, state community college, or state technical college, except that it may not exceed the cost of attendance. The survivor must have been under 21 years of age at the time of the firefighter's death. Contact: Alabama Police and Firefighters Survivors Educational Assistance Program, Alabama Commission on Higher Education. 100 North Union Street, PO Box 32000, Montgomery, AL 36130-2000. Phone: (334) 242-2273. www.ache.state.al.us. Spouse's Education: The education benefit covers tuition, fees, books, and supplies. There is no limit on the amount awarded for undergraduate study at any state college, state community college, or state technical college, except that it may not exceed the cost of attendance. Spouse must not have remarried and must begin enrollment within five years of firefighter's death. Contact: Alabama Police and Firefighters Survivors Educational Assistance Program, Alabama Commission on Higher Education. PO Box 32000, Montgomery, AL 36130-2000. Phone: (334) 242-2273 or (334) 242-2274. Support Organizations: Alabama Association of Volunteer Fire Departments 660 Adams Avenue, Suite 345 Montgomery, AL 36104 E-mail: aavfd@mindspring.com www.aavfd.org



Education	The Alabama Fire College offers courses at a cost and a video library from which departments may borrow materials at postage cost. Free training and videos are also offered by the Rural Community Fire Protection Institute on a more limited basis. Contacts: Alabama State Fire College. 2501 Phoenix Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405. Phone: (205) 391-3755. Alabama Rural Community Fire Protection Institute. 660 Adams Avenue, Suite 101, Montgomery, AL 36104. Phone: (800) 897-7237.



Workers Compensation	According to state statute, municipalities may choose to provide workers' compensation for their volunteers. Individual programs are administered by local governments.



Funding	The Alabama Association of Volunteer Fire Departments offers the Wildfire Prevention Grants to volunteer fire departments. Contact: Alabama Assn. of Volunteer Fire Departments. 660 Adams Ave., Suite 345, Montgomery, Al 36104. Phone: (334) 262-2833.



Health	N/A



Legal	N/A



Malpractice	According to state statute, volunteer firefighters are immune from liability for any civil damages committed when the firefighter enters a burning building. Volunteers are also not liable for any acts or omissions causing injuries to fellow volunteers or civilians, provided that the damages or injuries were not the result of wanton misconduct.



Retirement	None.



Tax	N/A



Additional	Volunteer firefighters are eligible for special license plates.

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