Chief Summerford began his emergency service career as a volunteer firefighter for Center Point in the fall of 1966. He became one of the departments first paid employees in March of 1967 and became one of the first Nationally Certified Emergency Medical Technicians in Alabama in 1973. Over the years, he rose through the ranks and was appointed to the position of Fire Chief January 10, 2001.

Chief Summerford holds an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Jefferson State Community College and serves on the Fire Science Degree  Advisory Committee. He currently serves as chairman of the Jefferson County Alabama 9-1-1 Advisory Board and has also served in the past as an adjunct instructor for the Alabama State Fire College providing instruction on incident command, fire instructor certifications, and technical rescue among other subjects.

Chief Summerford is active in many local and national fire service organizations including the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs, Central Alabama Fire Chiefs Association, International Firefighters Association Local 117, Birmingham Alabama Retired Firefighters Association, and the Alabama Firefighters Association.

Chief Summerford is dedicated to providing the best service possible through progressive leadership and a sincere desire to make a positive contribution to the community.