Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
The Burt family, long known in Eclectic for their deep roots and lifelong commitment to education and community service, has once again made an impact that will benefit residents for years to come.
Terry and Wanda Burt have been in the education field from 1963 through the end of the century, shaping countless young lives at Elmore County High School. Today, Terry’s legacy remains visible at the Burt-Haynie field.
Since their passing, members of the Burt family approached the Eclectic Fire Department (EFD) with a desire to make a meaningful contribution, one that would strengthen the community’s emergency medical capabilities. Their generous donation was earmarked for the purchase of an automated CPR compression device.
Before EFD moved forward with the purchase, the department learned of a funding opportunity through the Southeast Alabama EMS Council and the Alabama Council of Emergency Medical Services’ Rural EMS Grant Program. With the Burt family’s donation serving as matching funds, EFD applied and secured the grant, allowing the department not only to meet its original goal, but to double it.
EFD personnel traveled to the Alabama Council of Emergency Medical Services offices in Lincoln to pick up two Defibtech Lifeline ARM automated compression devices. Each unit, valued from $10,000 to $12,000, delivers continuous chest compressions during cardiac arrest. Human rescuers can perform chest compressions, but unlike people, these devices never speed up under stress or slow down as fatigue sets in. They deliver consistent, high-quality compressions and free the EMS crew, often just two responders at the start, to focus on other critical lifesaving interventions.
“These devices will significantly increase the chances of surviving cardiac arrest in Eclectic,” said Alan Nummy, EMS Operations Director.
Thanks to the Burt family’s generosity and the support of the Rural EMS Grant Program, a legacy of giving that began in local classrooms decades ago is now helping save lives throughout the community.
