Religious worship is an integral part of the lives of the residents of Ozark and Dale County since the early 1800s. Many historic churches are still active today, including Claybank Church, built in 1852 – making it the oldest original church building standing today in the southern region.

With approximately 100 churches in Dale County, most of the leading denominations are represented here. Our churches, their ministries, programs and congregations play a vital role in the health and vibrancy of our city. They are more than religious centers – they are places for social, recreational, educational and community help programs. Some of these same churches provide excellent daycare and preschool services.

Many community activities are organized by local churches, bringing together residents from all walks of life. These churches also have multiple youth and children’s programs, which offer another form of recreation for young people.

The following churches support the Chamber of Commerce and our programs through their membership:

Bridlewood Chapel
3871 N. US Hwy. 231
(334) 774-4021

First United Methodist Church
167 E. Broad St.
(334) 774-2569

Glory To Him Church
6193 Andrews Ave.
(334) 774-7677

Harvest Freewill Baptist Church
1694 Deese Rd.
(334) 774-3706

Lively Stones Ministries Worship Center
187 Parker Hills Dr.
(334) 774-1039

Ozark Baptist Church
282 S. Union Ave.
(334) 774-9381

Ozark First Assembly of God
170 Country Club Dr.
(334) 774-4941

Ozark Presbyterian Church
187 S. East Ave.
(334) 774-5494

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
2454 Andrews Ave.
(334) 774-6758

Ridgecrest Baptist Church
1971 Deese Rd.
(334) 774-5610

St. John Catholic Church
475 Camilla Ave.
(334) 774-6826

St Michael’s Episcopal Church
427 Camilla Ave.
(334) 774-2617

Westview Heights United Methodist Church
512 Camilla Ave.
(334) 774-8547

Please remember there are over 100 churches in Dale County, and each church will welcome you into their congregation.

The City of Ozark is governed by a mayor and five city council members. Dale County is governed by a Commission Chairman and four commission members. Ozark is the county seat with the courthouse located in our historic downtown area. City and county leaders and our citizens share a great sense of community spirit and civic responsibility that make the area a great place to live a safe, enjoyable and comfortable life.

Ozark Police Department

The Ozark Police Department is staffed with a total of 60 men and women who dedicate themselves to the citizens of Ozark. The staff includes 36 sworn law enforcement officers, 12 reserve officers and 11 civilians.

The Ozark Police Department recently purchased a new records management system that assists law enforcement in such areas as crime reporting, case management, criminal and civil papers, sex offender registration, arrest reports, incident/offense reports, evidence tracking and data sharing.

The City of Ozark and the Ozark Police Department recently purchased more than 14 new police vehicles to replace a high mileage fleet of police vehicles. They have also enhanced the Community Police Program by including the following initiatives: women’s safety tips, positive ticket initiative, home safety for seniors and Ozark Youth Academy.

The Ozark Police Department is led by Chief Marlos Walker. Since becoming police chief, he has seen a reduction in violent crimes throughout the city. Chief Walker believes citizens and law enforcement must work together in order to have a safer community.

Ozark Fire Department

The Ozark Fire Department responds to an average of 1,800 calls per year, ranging from the smell of smoke to fully involved structure fires, medical and motor vehicle collisions.

The department delivers fire prevention, life safety, fire suppression and rescue services to residents and the community with an emphasis on response, training and education. Fire department services also include vehicle extrication, hazardous materials mitigation, confined space rescue, advanced life support emergency medical services, disaster response and fire life safety code enforcement.

Ozark currently staffs 49 professional firefighters and paramedics at four companies and three stations located throughout the city 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide constant services to residents, businesses and visitors. Three of these four companies are paramedic engine companies and provide a rapid response for both fire and medical calls throughout the city. The fourth company is a ladder company strategically located to provide rapid response to fire calls and motor vehicle collisions.

ISO is the criteria for evaluating the fire prevention and fire suppression capabilities for the individual communities. The City of Ozark is currently a rating of 3, allowing a lower insurance rating for our citizens.

The fire department is an extension of the Alabama Fire College and trains many outside departments, including DOD and technical rescue for all state fire departments.

The fire department also offers education for residents such as CPR classes, fire prevention tips, station tours and safety inspections.

In addition, the fire department is active in the community by providing medical support for special events and sporting events, and by participating in Relay for Life and Operation Santa Claus. The department also supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Salvation Army and the United Way.

Ozark is proud to be known as the “Home of Fort Rucker” and is proud to be community partners with the 1st Battalion, 14th Aviation Regiment. Residents of Ozark see each incoming military family as an exciting opportunity to meet new people, show off the area’s famous southern hospitality, learn about new friends and hear stories about their families and travels. Many times we are blessed with the return of these families to our community when they are ready to put down roots, allowing us to reconnect with old friends.

Fort Rucker is the primary flight training base for U.S. Army Aviation and is home to the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence and the United States Army Aviation Museum.

Officially opened on May 1, 1942, as Camp Rucker, it served as a training base for thousands of officers and enlisted personnel during World War II. Shortly after opening, the base was expanded to include an airfield that was designated Ozark Army Airfield. Troops trained at Camp Rucker fought in both the European and Pacific theaters during World War II.

Camp Rucker was inactive from March 1946 until August 1950, but was reopened during the Korean War. After another short deactivation, it was again reopened and expanded as a helicopter training base. The name was officially changed to Fort Rucker in October 1955. Four years later, Ozark Army Airfield was renamed Cairns Army Airfield.

Today, the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence is the predominant military facility at Fort Rucker, training and educating over 23,000 Army Aviation soldiers and leaders annually. Fort Rucker’s infrastructure includes four air bases, 14 staging fields and 72 remote training sites covering over 29,000 square miles in southern Alabama and northern Florida.

Fort Rucker covers about 64,500 acres of countryside in an area known as the “Wiregrass.”

Fort Rucker MRW provides many recreational activities and services that are available to surrounding communities. Participating in and enjoying these amenities are a great way to meet and get to know our military neighbors.