From The Tribune staff reports
FULTONDALE When an EF-3 tornado ripped through the city of Fultondale and surrounding areas on Jan. 25, many homes, businesses and lives were impacted. Thanks to a quick response from emergency responders, Fultondale Police Chief D.P. Smith said lives were saved.
“I would like to personally thank all of the fire departments, police departments, and the many medical professionals that helped us Monday night after the tornado,” Smith said. “Everyone’s actions that night saved lives.”
Elliott Hernandez, 14, was killed when his home collapsed. Smith asked the community to keep his family in their prayers, as well as survivors impacted by the tornado.
CLAY JeffCoEd held its monthly meeting at its newest elementary school campus on Thursday.
District leaders were on hand to celebrate the completion of the new Bryant Park Elementary School with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Bryant Park opened up the new 86,000 square foot building in time for the start of the 2020-21 school year.
The campus is located at 2020 Bryant Park Dr. in Clay for students K-6 in Clay and surrounding areas.
On Thursday, JeffCoEd Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin addressed the recovery efforts happening in Fultondale. The city was hit by a tornado late Monday night, resulting in the death of 14-year-old Fultondale student Elliott Hernandez.
Jason Vogt, a teacher at Fultondale’s middle and high schools, launched the fundraising effort in memory of Elliott Arizaga-Hernandez. The teen was killed when he and his parents and another family member took cover from the EF-3 tornado in their basement.
Students at Jemison HS make cards for Fultondale students after deadly tornado Students at Jemison High School are making cards for students at Fultondale who were affected in Monday nightâs EF-3 tornado. (Source: Jacob Roop) By WBRC Staff | January 28, 2021 at 9:15 AM CST - Updated January 28 at 12:24 PM
JEMISON, Ala. (WBRC) - Students at Jemison High School are making cards for students at Fultondale who were affected in Monday nightâs EF-3 tornado.
The deadly tornado caused significant damage to northern Jefferson County around 10:30 p.m., including to Fultondale High School and the nearby area. Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin says the school building will not reopen as previously planned construction for a new high school begins in a little more than a month.