Over Atmore Fire Chief Ronald Peebles’ cell phone speaker, Homestyle Furniture Owner Terry Kelly asked one question: How are y’all sleeping?

The question came after the local Atmore furniture company recently donated 10 twin mattresses to the fire department’s both stations so firefighters will be able to get some rest while on call.

Peebles said the firefighters noticed an impact right away.

“The first night they had them, I came in the next morning, and they said they slept way better,” he said.

Five extra-long, and five regular twin mattresses were donated to the AFD.

Peebles said it was a happy accident as he went to the furniture store to buy a recliner for station No. 4.

“I told (Kelly) we haven’t had new mattresses in a while,” the fire chief said. “(Kelly) said, ‘well, what would you think if we donated them to you?’

“I said, ‘I’m good with that,’” he said.

Peebles stressed that the city has done quite a lot for the AFD, and has provided for its needs over the years.

Peebles said when a firefighter is on a 24-hour shift, they try and get as much sleep as they can when not responding to calls.

Kelly said the mattresses are new Jamison and Ashley Sierra sleep mattresses.

“When we heard that they hadn’t had new mattresses in about 10 years, we decided it was past time for them to be a little more comfortable, and get more restful sleep while they are waiting to spring into action protecting us,” Kelly said. “It’s just our way to help honor some of our first responders and let them know we appreciate the work they do.”