Helping people inspires Meely as firefighter

Helping people and helping children gain insightful knowledge on fire safety and staying fit is Allen Meely’s inspiration on the Choctaw Fire Department.

Meely, 57, has been with the CFD for 28 years and became assistant director of the department in 2019. He began working there in 1995 as a volunteer and does not plan on retiring anytime soon. 

“When I was younger, I applied for the police department but didn’t make it in,” Meely said. “The fire department worked with me, however, and I was able to get on the team. I enjoy helping people, which is a big reason I joined. I do what I can and do the right thing to be a role model for the younger ones.”

Meely was born and raised in Leake County in the Red Water community by Charles Meely and the late Bettye Allen Meely. He worked in Carthage at a wire harness company for 10 years before moving to Neshoba County in 1994. 

He is married to Dava Denise Meely, and they have six children, Aldreca, Shaun, Josh, Shauna, Alise, and Allison, and 10 grandchildren. 

Meely said the most challenging part of working for the department is learning the ins and outs of his job as assistant director. 

“I love teaching fire safety, especially to younger kids,” Meely said. “We do it at functions like health fairs and awareness programs. We set up booths and talk to people about fire safety and hand out brochures. When kids ask me how I got into this field, I explain and give them pointers, such as ‘learn what you can in school, get your assignments done, and keep your head in the game on knowledge and health.’” 

Meely plans to keep working for the CFD as long as he stays in good health and his goal is to mentor young incoming firefighters and help get them to where he is now. 

“I tell the younger guys, ‘Whatever you do, keep going, and if any additional fire safety classes are offered, take them and learn what you can,’” Meely said. “I tell my kids the same thing and mentor them in a way where they can learn to provide for themselves when they get older.”

Sgt. Marco Patrick, Liaison Officer for the Choctaw Fire Department, said he started working with Meely six years ago and appreciates his attitude and what he brings to the workplace each day. 

“I recently became a Liaison Officer here, which happened to be Allen’s old position before his promotion to Assistant Director,” Patrick said. “It’s been great working with him, and he’s always positive and keeps things interesting when we come to work. He’s seen firefighters come and go, and he was the one who interviewed me for my job here.” 

Patrick recalled Meely coming to his elementary school years ago and found inspiration from his pride in his uniform and his energetic approach to teaching children about fire safety. 

“My elementary school had a fire prevention week, and I remember Allen being there,” Patrick said. “I remember how he held himself with pride with the uniform they wore back then, and it had such a big impact on me. Seeing him in that profession at that age made me realize that I wanted to be a firefighter. I moved my way up through the ranks thanks to him, and I now have his old position. It means a lot to follow in his footsteps.” 

Patrick said in his opinion, Meely’s biggest impact on the CFD is his dedication. 

He said he learned a lot from Meely about fire safety, even at a young age, and that most people don’t realize the importance of fire prevention and how it can save just as many, if not more lives, compared to technical rescues and fighting the fires. 

“I hope I can do as good of a job as him over the years and follow in his footsteps as best I can,” Patrick said.  

Outside of working for the department, Meely enjoys taking long drives in his car with his family on the weekends, listening to rock and roll music, and fishing if he has time. 

“My favorite vacation spot is going to the coast in Gautier, Mississippi, and visiting my dad, and my grandkids like going to the beach,” Meely said. “When I retire, which I hope isn’t anytime soon, I guess I’ll be like my dad and take part in various odd jobs, maybe tinker with cars since I’ve been able to help my kids get decent cars.” 

“Godspeed and pray every day,” he said. “One of my coworkers sends me scripture every day, and it's inspirational. Always keep learning and stay in good health.”