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The East Alabama Fire Department accepted over $50,000 worth of hazmat equipment as a donation from John Soules Foods in Valley on Thursday. 

The food processing plant uses ammonia in many refrigeration processes throughout the factory. According to Josh McPeters, refrigeration supervisor, the company has always placed a special focus on safety. However, after learning that the closest hazmat team is in Montgomery or Columbus, McPeters said it was important to JSF to better equip the Valley fire station.

In addition to things like full hazmat suits, insulated boots and testing kits, JSF has sponsored hazmat training for the department. 

McPeters said he hopes the initiative will help build trust and continue to foster the relationships that the company has already built. The EAFD will be able to use the equipment for other emergencies throughout the county. 

McPeters said their goal is to invest in the community. The EAFD can use the hazmat equipment for any emergency, not just ammonia accidents.

McPeters has been with John Soules since it came to Valley in 2021, and in that time they have now donated to the local fire department twice.

“Honestly, this is one of the best companies I’ve ever worked for. Training is the biggest priority,” McPeters said. “Safety is top-notch.”

John Soules employs around 500, many of them from the local community, and produces around 500,000 items a day from its two current factory lines. 

On top of the hazmat donation, John Soules has many measures in place within its walls to prevent the need for the fire department. Equipment in the building tests the air for ammonia leaks constantly and notifies McPeters day and night of any issues. If a leak started, the equipment would be shut off immediately until the issue could be addressed. 

The staff tests all the equipment every morning and at the second shift of the day. They also stop frequently throughout shifts to check the blades in the machine are still in good condition.