Demopolis Fire Dept. Capt. Vernon Waters is a lifelong resident of Demopolis, and it is a city he enjoys taking care of.

“I enjoy serving the community,” he said. ‘I like to give back to the community and help keep it safe.”

Waters is a 1983 graduate of Demopolis High School, like he wife, Brenda Wilson Waters. The couple has one son, Vernon Jr., who was born the day Waters was promoted to captain.

Waters was promoted to captain in 2002 and has served in the fire department since 1990.

“I’m kind of like a teacher for the new people coming into the department,” he laughed. “I enjoy working with the younger firefighters. There is a difference from when I came in and when they came.”

The most exciting aspect of his job is getting the job done.

“I really like it when the fire is completely out,” he said. “I enjoy knowing that we’ve done our job. I like the prevention part of it, saving lives and property.”

Waters said he also enjoys doing educational outreach in the community, teaching children about fire safety and how to prevent fires from happening around the home.

A Demopolite from Day One, Capt. Vernon Waters has seen this community grow and change, yet remain the same place he has always known. Serving his hometown community is a source of pride for him, and his service o this community is a source of pride in Demopolis as well.