Valley Grande Volunteer Fire Department Chief Billy Barnett enjoys his working environment.

Barnett has worked for the Valley Grande VFD for the last 17 years, including the last three years as Chief.

“Everybody’s laid back in Valley Grande,” Barnett said. “Everyone that volunteers in the Valley Grande Fire Department enjoys it.”

Barnett also enjoys being a firefighter.

“I love being able to help people,” Barnett said.

Barnett credits the Valley Grande VFD’s veteran firefighters for its strong unit.

“I’ve got guys that retire from the Selma Fire Department (SFD) and come down to Valley Grande,” Barnett said. “I enjoy them being here. They help train some of the firefighters. SFD officers went through the training we don’t get in Valley Grande.”

Barnett’s regular job is being a truck drive for Pitts Farm and Truck in Uniontown, a position he’s held for the last 18 years. He said it’s exciting to travel across the country and make deliveries.

“Truck driving is interesting because you get to see different things,” Barnett said. “Everyday is an adventure.”

Barnett said he often gets calls from the Valley Grande VFD after getting off the road.

“When I get home and pull into my driveway, we’re getting called,” Barnett said.

Barnett continues the family tradition of public safety. His grandfather, Wilson Joe Osborne, was a member of the Selma Police Department (SPD).

The 1996 graduate of Dallas County High School is married to Jessica Barnett. They have a daughter, Elizabeth, 18.