1. He entered fire service as a volunteer firefighter at age 15
Reed entered fire service as a volunteer firefighter when he was 15 years old. He's currently captain and treasurer of the Ballplay Bend Fire Department — but he'll be giving up the rank and treasurer's positions to prevent conflict of interest after being hired as chief.
2. He's a Hokes Bluff High School alum
He's a graduate of Hokes Bluff High School, Class of 1991, and earned a degree in Emergency Medical Services at Gadsden State, a Fire Science degree from Columbia Southern and is in his senior year of a Fire Administration degree program at Columbia Southern.