MADISON – Scott Adams has been promoted to captain in the Madison Fire and Rescue Department.

Scott and Brandy Adams have two daughters, Chloe and Claire. (CONTRIBUTED)

Adams likes his job’s diversity “and making a difference by helping people in their time of need.”

As captain, Adams will give daily assignments and confirm his team “has what they need to perform their duties effectively and efficiently. I’m a team leader, coach and mentor for my team by keeping (them) positive and addressing any concerns.”

Originally a paramedic, he then worked for Decatur Fire & Rescue. In 2006, Adams joined the Madison department.

“We have to look at every situation we encounter as dangerous for our own safety,” Adams said. “If we get hurt, we can’t help our community.”

Adams, 41, earned associate’s degrees in fire science and emergency medical services (EMS). He is studying for a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration from Columbia Southern University.

He holds paramedic/firefighter licenses and certifications in firefighter I and II, apparatus pumper/ariel, officer I and II, instructor I and II, trench rescue I and II, structural collapse, rope I, confined space, HazMat, fire investigator and fire inspector.

For Alabama Smoke Diver certification, Adams completed “a very physically demanding class that teaches you the limits in which you can push yourself with advanced search/rescue, breathing, disentanglement and mentally challenging techniques.”

On the Alabama Heavy Rescue team, Adams must be prepared “to handle any rescue emergency — collapse, high angle, water or trench cave-in.” Quarterly training for Adams’ team gets them ready for deployment to catastrophic events across Alabama.

His wife Brandy works as an administrative assistant at Northrop Grumman Corporation. Daughter Chloe, 11, attends Riverton Intermediate School and daughter Claire, 6, attends Mt. Carmel Elementary School.

The Adams family actively participates in the Quarter Midget Association and Trading Post Cowboy Church, where they arrange ranch and kids’ rodeos.

His hobbies are auto racing, watching his daughters race quarter midgets and horseback riding.