Moving forward in 2012

The small town of Phil Campbell went through more adversity in 2011 than most towns face in decades, but amidst the rubble and destruction left in the wake of the April 27 tornado rose a spirit of determination and drive that officials said will make 2012 a productive year full of healing and renewal for the residents of Phil Campbell.
Phil Campbell Mayor Jerry Mays said the scene in his town in the hours following the deadly E-F5 tornado was something he thought he would have only seen in a movie.
“It’s hard to describe how it felt to see the town torn to pieces and to know that we had lost 26 members of our community in a matter of minutes,” Mays said. “We would have never in a million years thought something like that could happen here.”
Even though the devastation was extensive, rescue efforts began immediately. First responders, including emergency medical personnel, law enforcement, firefighters and regular members of the community, began to help those in need.
Volunteers from all over the country pored into the town in the days, weeks and months following the tornado and offered their support through physical labor, monetary donations and donations of clothing, food and basic necessities.
“We couldn’t have gotten this far without our neighbors,” Mays said. “The support we have received has just been overwhelming and we can’t thank those people enough for all they’ve done for our town and our people.”
But even though the volunteer support was outstanding, Franklin County Emergency Management Agency Director Roy Gober said he was floored by how the local community members stepped into leadership roles and got the town moving down the path to recovery.
“The people from this community worked together with the volunteers from other places and the end result was just efficiency,” Gober said. “We really found out what kind of people we have in this area – people who do what it takes to get things done.”
Gober said that attitude has helped the area in more ways than one.
“From all accounts, Franklin County has been ahead of other counties in our recovery efforts,” Gober said. “What really set us apart from those other counties was the way people just joined in and helped. We had great teamwork here.”
“I’m often reminded of Ronald Reagan’s famous words when he said that those who don’t think we have heroes today just don’t know where to look,” Mays added. “This tragedy we’ve gone through has shown us just how many heroes we have right here in Franklin County.”
The spirit of teamwork, leadership and determination that characterized those affected by the tornado was what laid the groundwork for Phil Campbell to rebuild.
Groups continue to offer support to the tornado-ravaged town, but residents have taken up the rebuilding reigns and are prepared to make sure the new year is full of new beginnings and new memories.
“We know the town won’t be back to normal overnight and we know we still have a ways to go, but we’re very enthusiastic about the long-term planning committee that is figuring out just exactly how we can build the town back to be even better than ever,” Mays said. “Plans are starting to move forward with our high school being rebuilt and our Civitan organization is working hard on the Phil Campbell Memorial Park in downtown.
“There are many exciting things happening in Phil Campbell and we’re looking forward to what 2012 holds for our town.”