By Nathan Prewett, For the Tribune
PINSON, Ala. – Center Point Fire District Battalion Chief Chris Horn was honored by the Pinson City Council after he announced that he would retire following a 38-year career in firefighting.
“38 years is a long time,” Horn told the council. “I started there when I was 14 years old.”
He told the story about how he was hired by the founder, John Wallace, after volunteering for five years.
“I guess you would say that I was complaining, not really complaining: ‘Hey I’m never going to get hired here,’” he said. “And he come out of his office and he goes, ‘I hear you’re complaining. I hear we’re never going to hire you.’ And I said, ‘Well, I was hoping one day you would. I mean, I’ve been here five years volunteering.’”
“He goes, ‘Well come here.’ And he swung his door open and he goes, ‘Here’s your office, figure out how to do it and do a good job. See you later.’”
Pinson Mayor Hoyt Sanders read a proclamation detailing Horn’s career, beginning as a dispatcher before becoming a firefighter in 1990. He was recognized in 2014 as a firefighter of the year and was promoted to Logistics Manager for the district.
He was promoted to Captain in 2019 and then to Battalion Chief Over Logistics in 2023.
“I’m proud to be at Center Point,” he said. “But it’s time to move on. It’s 38 years in one place. It’s a long time but I enjoyed my career here.”
Later, Palmerdale Fire Chief Taylor Hancock delivered a report on incidents during the month of March. There were 165 calls, with eight being wildfires or brushfires, one car fire and the majority being emergency medical services.
Hancock spoke favorably about Horn, calling him a friend and mentor. He also spoke about the need to build a new fire station to replace the current building that he believed has been standing since 1974. A building fund has been set up and an option to donate will be available on www.palmerdalefire.org.
Additionally, the council approved setting May 7 as the date to consider the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code. City Attorney Shane Black explained that several years ago the city adopted similar code systems to Jefferson County but did not adopt the 2018 codes.
He further explained that once a structure in the city is constructed and its electrical system is in place the 2018 code regulates maintaining them “in a sound order.” It contains an array of different regulations, he said.
He added that it is more comprehensive and covers exterior property structures, interior structures, and rubbish on properties.
It requires a public hearing and must be advertised before it is considered.
Toward the end of the meeting Councilor Dawn Tanner announced that CityFest will be held on April 25 at the Bicentennial Park from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will feature a patriotic theme in conjunction with the United States’ 250th anniversary.
The council then entered into an executive session to discuss litigation.
In other business the council:
- Approved $28,800 for equipment for the Pinson Valley High School football team,
- Declined a request to rezone a property Rudd School Road due to potential issues with the floodplain and connection to the highway,
- Approved a disc golf basket replacement for $7,193 and
- Approved furnishings and beautification at the Rock School Center for an estimated $2,000.
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 Prewett can be reached at nthomasp6@gmail.com.
