DOTHAN: Before Chris Etheredge could legally drive he has been fighting fires and serving in emergency services. His father, Wes Etheredge served as Director of the Daleville Department of Public Safety and this is where Chris developed his passion for emergency services.
Today, May 31, 2026 and 12 midnight marks the end of a 32 year career service with the City of Dothan. After 3 years in the Communications Division with the City of Dothan, Chris then moved to the Dothan Fire Department for a total of 32 years with the City of Dothan.
Chris quickly moved up through the ranks to the first Deputy Fire Chief with the Dothan Fire Department. Under then Dothan Fire Chief Dennis Rubin, Chris Etheredge took on many administrative functions within the Dothan Fire Department. When someone needed something, they yelled CHRIS!!!
Chris was loyal under all Fire Chiefs, to include Sam Crawford and Larry Williams. Chris acted as spokesman for Dothan Fire Department and Dothan-Houston County Emergency Management.
When storms were coming, when COVID struck, other emergency events, Chris Etheredge handled the press briefings. He was calm and could field any questions thrown at him. He handled major and minor tasks.
Chris Etheredge served as Interiem Director of the City of Dothan-Houston County Communications District Board during periods there were no one in the Director’s seat while performing his duties within the fire department.
Chris Etheredge will be missed in the Dothan Fire Department. His knowledge and expertise of knownig “who” to call for help, not only within the Fire Department but in other parts of the Alabama and the United States can never be replaced.
Thank you Chris Etheredge for your dedication to the people of Dothan and Houston County. Your were the calm before, during and after the storm.
Monday marks the end of a life tied to pagers, phones and Southern Linc’s!!! A end to family meals and time with family being interrupted because of emergencies. A time he can sleep without one ear open for the phone to ring, having to get up and go. A complete change of his life for the past 32 years.
Chris is married to Kristyn and has three sons.
