By Chris Yow
Editor
TRUSSVILLE — The city of Trussville hired both a fire and police chief at a special meeting of the city council on Tuesday.
Captain Jeff Bridges was promoted to police chief, while Assistant Fire Chief Tim Shotts was also promoted in his role to chief. Bridges and Shotts have each served the city of Trussville for more than 20 years each.
Bridges, a graduate of Erwin High School, takes over for retired chief Don Sivley. He began his career in law enforcement as a dispatcher with the Trussville Police Department before joining the Air Force. Following an honorable discharge from the service, Bridges was hired in 1994 and was a detective by 1998. He was promoted in 2001 to lieutenant and again in 2014 as the first captain at the department.
“There were a lot of people interested in this job here in Trussville, but I thought we had someone right here at our back door that could lead this department down the path we as administrators would like to see,” Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat said. “We’re fortunate to have [Bridges] in that position.”
Shotts, who replaces Russell Ledbetter — who resigned in Novemeber, has been working as a firefighter in Trussville since he was a teenager, starting as a volunteer firefighter in 1994. A graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School, Shotts served in every role at the department through the years.
“Over the first three months [as mayor], Tim has really been an asset to me, and an asset to our fire department,” Choat said. “The leadership that he’s displayed has just been impeccable.”
Shotts said he was grateful to have the support staff he has in place, and that is what has made him successful.
“Everybody talks about how if you want to do a good job, you have to surround yourself with the right people. I’m surrounded by the best.” Shotts said.
Choat said both jobs were highly sought after, but in the end promoting these two men was the obvious choice.
“I’m honored to be able to stand here today and do a small recognition of these folks,” Choat said. “This is a coveted job in both positions. There were a lot of qualified people who wanted this job . . . This is a great place to not only live, but a great place to work.”
One Comment
Glenda Gault
Congratulations!!!