By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
PINSON – Several within Pinson’s fire districts were highlighted during a meeting of the Pinson City Council on Thursday, Oct. 19.
Glennwood Fire District Lt. Frank Cornelius (left) and Chief Rocky Balle show off a jacket that is part of a new turnout gear. (Nathan Prewett)
First was Chief Rocky Balle of the Glennwood Volunteer Fire District, who thanked the council for their help in purchasing five sets of turnout gear. He said that the gear is lighter than the previous ones and has new safety features.
Lt. Frank Cornelius was present in one of the turnout sets to show what they look like and how they function.
“The newer gear is up to the new NFPA standards,” Balle said. “It’s got the drag harness in the jacket to help if a fireman falls down. Some of the older gear we had did not have it. It’s brought our firemen up to where they need to be right now on the standards.”
The gear also features liners that cool firemen down when sweating, as well as reflectors that help them stand out more.
Afterwards, the council recognized several promotions in the Center Point Fire District. Brandon Dahlen, who had been serving as Interim Chief, has been promoted to Chief and Capt. Chris Horn is now Battalion Chief.
“It’s always nice to get the proper recognition,” Mayor Pro Tem Robbie Roberts told both, who were present. “I know you’ve been in the community for a long time and I know it’s something you personally strive for, so we’re excited having one of our own here being chief.”
Horn spoke to the council and said that another has been promoted to battalion chief, along with two captains and a lieutenant. There are currently nine vacancies at the department, he said.
Horn also mentioned that there was an incident on Monday night at former Center Point Mayor Tom Henderon’s house in which there was a fire. Henderson’s wife, Betty Henderson, was injured with burns on her arm and is recovering at a hospital. He said that the house was not seriously damaged.
Later the council briefly discussed the recent Butter Bean Festival that took place on Main Street on Oct. 6 and 7.
“I’ll start it off by saying that it was great,” said Roberts. “It was a lot of fun. The crowd was certainly par excellence as usual. The weather was just fabulous. Friday evening the fireworks display was a lot of fun as usual.”
Mayor Joe Cochran added that there was an estimated 40,000 people in attendance those days.
Additionally, the council voted to declare Oct. 26 Turn Pinson Pink to raise awareness of breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Cochran pointed out that he had a friend, Susan Treadaway, who passed away several years ago from the disease.
The council reminded the public that the seats for the Zoning Board of Adjustments and the Pinson Public Library Board are still available.
Pinson Public Library Director Alison Scanlan said that Boo Bash is coming up on Oct. 27 at the library’s location at the Rock School Center. It is a joint event of the library and the Parks and Recreation Department. Last year there was an estimated 1,000 people that attended, she said. They are also adding food trucks to this year’s event.
In other business, the council:
- Agreed to purchase a 2012 Ford Expedition truck from the Jefferson County 911 Center for $8,000.
Pinson City Council meets on the first and third Thursdays of every month at City Hall on 4410 Main Street. Live-streamed meetings can be seen on the city’s Facebook page.
Nathan Prewet can be reached at nthomasp6@gmail.com.
