Dogtown Volunteer Fire Department

Dogtown Volunteer Fire Department, operating under the doing business as name Ruhama Fire Protection, is a U.S. local government entity based in Fort Payne, Alabama, that serves the community through fire suppression, emergency medical response, and fire prevention services. As an all-volunteer fire department, the organization has established itself as a critical component of emergency response infrastructure in the Fort Payne area, providing essential life safety services to the surrounding region. The department maintains active federal registration and has demonstrated a strong commitment to enhancing its operational capabilities through federal grant funding.

The Dogtown Volunteer Fire Department has received three successive Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) awards from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under CFDA 97.044, totaling $1,349,515.20 in federal grant funding. The first award of $204,383.40 was granted on September 13, 2022, with a completion date of September 12, 2024, providing support for fire and life safety services during that period. Subsequently, the department received a substantial $999,631.80 grant on August 13, 2024, with an ultimate completion date of August 12, 2026, designated for critical infrastructure improvements, equipment procurement, training programs, and health and wellness initiatives. Most recently, on September 30, 2025, the department was awarded $145,500 to continue its efforts in enhancing public and firefighting personnel safety regarding fire and fire-related hazards. Across all three grants, the funding has consistently supported the department's capacity to upgrade critical equipment, strengthen emergency response capabilities, improve operational efficiency, foster interoperability with regional partners, and enhance overall community resilience in the Fort Payne, Alabama area. The department has received no subcontract awards and maintains no prime federal contract vehicle relationships.