Birmingham Fire Chief Addresses Refugee
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Dear Friend,
As a dedicated volunteer and spokesperson for refugees, Chief Cory Moon exemplifies the spirit of service and inclusivity that we all strive to embrace. Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, Cory knew from a young age that his calling was to serve his community as a firefighter. Today, as the head of Birmingham Fire and Rescue, he not only leads with bravery and compassion but also advocates for the safety and dignity of everyone in Birmingham—including newly arrived refugee families. Chief Moon believes that, as public servants, "it's our responsibility to make everyone feel welcome and safe." His firsthand understanding of the importance of community reminds us that regardless of our background or origins, we all share a common need for safety, dignity, and a place to belong.
Read more about Chief Moon’s story and his journey below:
Meet Chief Cory Moon:
Cory Moon knew he wanted to be a firefighter since he was five years old. Growing up around the corner from a fire station in his local Birmingham neighborhood, he would see the big, red fire trucks pass up and down his street; however, it wasn’t until a fire broke out at a neighbor’s home that 10-year-old Cory developed a deeper understanding of what the job truly entailed. After tending to his neighbor’s home that night, he recalls several of the firefighters on duty stopping over to chat with him a little bit—a gesture of kindness that left a profound impact on his life and would solidify his commitment to the field and serving his community.
A graduate of both Columbia Southern University and the Alabama Fire College, Cory went on to earn his degree in Emergency Medical Services along with his Firefighter's Certification, and began his first day on the job as a firefighter on March 26, 2001. Now, twenty-one years later, Chief Cory Moon acts as the head of the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Department, a role that he says allows him to “live the dream every day I wake up.”
This dream of pursuing a career in public safety is connected to a larger desire to help others. For Chief Moon, it’s quite simple—when new refugee families arrive in Birmingham, they become an interconnected part of the larger community.
The Birmingham Fire Rescue is a welcoming environment and we want to send the message that we are a good community partner…our services are for everyone.
He notes, “The Birmingham Fire Rescue is a welcoming environment, and we want to send the message that we are a good community partner…our services are for everyone. We want people to feel safe to contact us and reach out at any time. It’s our job to provide rapid, reliable, professional emergency services to everyone and keep all visitors and citizens of Birmingham safe—and we do that.”
Chief Moon was initially connected to Inspiritus almost two years ago and has acted as a consistently present and engaged partner with our Birmingham office. Since representing Birmingham FD at our quarterly community stakeholder meetings, Chief Moon says he has “Learned about challenges that refugees face, but also learned that there are a lot of resources available—especially from Inspiritus—that can help them navigate through their challenges to become active, happy members of the community.”
In June 2023, Chief Moon had an opportunity to meet some of the refugee families we welcomed that year at our World Refugee Day Celebration, hosted by Homewood Church of Christ. When asked about some of the conversations he had, he notes, “They’re people who want the same thing as we do…they want community and safety—just like all of us.”
Cory D. Moon, Chief for the City of Birmingham Fire & Rescue Service and his older brother Rodney Moon.
When asked about what he might say to someone who might have concerns about continuing our country’s long tradition of welcoming refugees, he says: “Remember--this country is a nation of immigrants, and we all have family members that come from a different place. It’s very simple—everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, kindness, and respect. That’s how I live my life, and I expect our personnel to treat everyone with kindness, as well. Follow the golden rule.”
We’re incredibly grateful for supporters like Chief Moon and all those who speak up on behalf of refugees and immigrants in their communities. Your commitment strengthens our shared communities. Together, we can make a lasting impact by welcoming and supporting new neighbors.
To support refugees, please click the button below and select the "Refugee Services" fund.
Thank you for your partnership and dedication to creating a more inclusive community for all.
Sincerely,
Sincerely,
Aimee Zangandou
Executive Director
Refugee & Immigrant Services Program
Inspiritus
