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 one of the first Nationally Certified Emergency Medical Technicians in
January 2011 the Alabama Firefighters Association appointed Chief Summerford to serve on the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission for a four year term. He also chairs the Jefferson County Alabama 9-1-1 Board.
Chief Summerford is active in many local and national organizations including the International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Firefighters Association Local 117, the National Emergency Number Association, Alabama Association of Fire Chiefs, Alabama Firefighters Association, Central Alabama Fire Chiefs Association, Birmingham Alabama Retired Firefighters Association, and the Jefferson County Association of Fire Departments.
Chief Summerford continues to serve in a part time capacity as Chief Administrator for the Fire District