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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – In several years’ time, as Alabaster continues to grow, men will leave from one of Alabaster’s fire stations on an engine headed toward the rescue of a citizen in need. The men riding on the fire engine might not personally know the name, John Cochran, but his influence and legacy will continue to be felt in everything they do.

Former Fire Chief John Cochran died on Wednesday, June 26 at the age of 78 in Alabaster, leaving behind an enduring legacy of service and commitment to his family and others.

“He was a servant of God, community and family,” said Carolyn Cochran, John’s wife.

John was a hardworking man who kept himself busy whether it was serving in the fire department, helping his local church or working on a project. Those who knew him personally, knew that he was a serious man who was dedicated to having things done in a certain way.

“He was a role model,” Carolyn said. “He didn’t carry on with a lot of foolishness because he felt like the guys that he was in charge of should all be professional and that they represented the city. Everybody looked at them to set an example of what an employee for the city should be.”

But that professional seriousness could never be mistaken for a lack of compassion as, like every firefighter, John helped those around him—even if it meant enduring uncomfortable and distressing situations. It was part of the job and being a servant.

John served the Alabaster Fire Department for more than 30 years during which he watched the city of Alabaster grow tremendously.

“He was an innovator and a good leader,” said Greg Farrell, former deputy fire chief and Alabaster councilmember for Ward 4. “He really cared about the department and if it wasn’t for his vision and pioneering then the department wouldn’t be where it is today.”

When John began with the Alabaster Fire Department, it was on a volunteer basis where he continued to serve until he became the very first paid fire chief. He also marked the first licensed paramedic within the city and the county.

Through the years, he oversaw numerous improvements and watched the department grow from a volunteer basis to having paid staffing with three fire stations.

“He set the foundation,” Farrell said.

John pushed the motto of customer service to his men and for them to go above and beyond for the city’s residents.

“He was just a good leader,” Farrell said. “He had a vision and he really kept up with what direction the fire departments were going.”

As the Alabaster Fire Department continues to grow and serve the city, it will do so thanks to efforts of John and the ideas and discipline he provided.

Likewise, he also leaves a personal legacy and is survived by his wife, Carolyn as well as multiple children and grandchildren.

“Everybody loved him and respected him and he was a good Christian man,” Carolyn said. “He was just a servant. That’s the only word that I can use to describe him—a servant.”