Longtime community volunteer and first responder Alma Bowen has been recognized for more than three decades of service to the Waugh and Mt. Meigs communities as one of the inaugural recipients of the Collins-Hooks Award.
Bowen received the honor during a presentation by The Mark White Show in Athens, Alabama, on September 14, 2026. She was one of two individuals selected to receive the award, which recognizes people who demonstrate compassion, encouragement, character, perseverance and service.
The Collins-Hooks Award was established in memory of Chadrick “Chad” Collins and Nicholas “Nic” DaRel Hooks and recognizes individuals who demonstrate compassion, encouragement, character, perseverance and service — qualities Bowen has exemplified throughout her years of volunteer service.
Bowen’s commitment to serving her community began in 1992 when she recognized a need for improved fire protection and emergency medical assistance in the rural Montgomery County communities of Waugh and Mt. Meigs.
Rather than simply recognizing the need, Bowen took action. She founded the Waugh/Mt. Meigs Volunteer Fire Department, helping establish a local organization that could respond when residents faced fires, medical emergencies and other critical situations.
Thirty-four years later, Bowen remains an active volunteer with the department she helped establish.
Throughout those years, her service has extended well beyond responding to emergency calls. Bowen has helped educate residents about health and fire safety and has supported individuals and families during some of their most difficult circumstances.
Even while facing health challenges of her own, she has continued her commitment to helping others and serving the community.
Bowen has been described as the “glue” of the Waugh/Mt. Meigs Volunteer Fire Department and a pioneer in Alabama’s volunteer fire service. What began as her decision to address a community need in 1992 has grown into a 34-year commitment to her neighbors.
Behind those years of service are countless people and families who have had someone to turn to during emergencies and difficult moments.
The Collins-Hooks Award honors individuals whose lives reflect compassion, encouragement, character, perseverance and service — qualities Bowen has demonstrated throughout her decades of volunteer work.
Congratulations to Alma Bowen on being named an inaugural recipient of the Collins-Hooks Award and on 34 years of dedicated service to the Waugh, Mt. Meigs and surrounding communities.
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