By Nathan Prewett, For The Tribune
MOODY – 50 years of Moody’s fire department were celebrated with a proclamation and reception at a city council meeting on Monday, April 11.
Mayor Joe Lee (center) stands with Chief Larry Horton and members of Moody Fire and Rescue as their 50th anniversary was celebrated on April 11, 2022. (Photo by Nathan Prewett)
Fire Chief Larry Horton delivered a presentation before the council and the audience that included the present and past members of the department, as well as their families.
“I appreciate all of y’all coming out tonight to celebrate a milestone,” Horton told the audience, adding, “We’re proud of where we’re at today.”
He gave an overview of the department’s history, beginning “roughly” 10 years after the city of Moody was incorporated in 1962. In the early and mid-1970s, the volunteer department was established and has expanded since then, later bringing in paid workers and moving into new buildings.
“A lot of things have changed from 1972 when this all started,” Horton said.
The department now boasts 15 full-time workers, 10 part-time workers, three fire engines, as well as several different types of trucks, including a new fire truck that was acquired last year.
The council also recognized several Moody High School wrestlers who recently won the National Recruiting Championship that took place on April 1 in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Among them was Cory Land, who has been noted for his numerous achievements in wrestling.
“It’s always an exciting time around this time of the year because we get to honor our wrestlers,” Mayor Joe Lee said. “It’s always an honor for us to do that.”
In addition to Land, those recognized were Owen Moore, Eris Clarke, and Matthew McDonald.
The council heard monthly reports from department heads, with Police Chief Thomas Hunt saying that there were 1,423 calls in March, as well as 51 arrests, 85 warning tickets, 195 citations, 78 misdemeanors (65 closed), 56 felonies (40 closed), police vehicles drove 15,845 miles, and $3,537.19 were spent on vehicle maintenance.
Afterward, Horton reported 147 total responses, seven fires (three residential, one vehicle, three woods and grass), 113 emergency medical calls, seven wrecks, 10 public services, 27 lift assists, and 23 false alarms. Mutual aid was given once and received once.
In other business, the council:
- Approved Public Works Director Steve Mitchell’s request to repair an AC unit in the court office for $3,375,
- Approved Hunt’s request for new brakes for car #342 for $520,
- Approved Hunt’s request for a new motor mount for car #351 for $400,
- Approved Hunt’s request to purchase new Viper 10×42 HD binoculars for firing range for $1,169.97,
- Approved Hunt’s request for a two-day leadership training class in July 2022 in Dalton, GA, for several officers at the cost of $1,500.00,
- Approved Horton’s request to have the graphics changed on Car-2 and Car-3 for $750,
- Approved Parks and Recreation Director Mike Staggs’ request to advertise and hire seasonal summer help for the 2022 Splash Pad season,
- Approved Lee’s request to donate $1,000 to the Friends of Moody Schools Foundation,
- Adopted Ordinance M2022-04-11 to authorize the issuance of general obligation warrant, series 2022-B, for the construction of the new police department, and
- Approved Lee’s request to advertise and hire a new police officer.
Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at Moody City Hall on 670 Park Ave.
