Local fire department celebrates promotions

City officials joined city firefighters in celebrating the promotions of three of their own who are taking new leadership roles as first responders in the city.

Firefighters Joey Stephenson, Marcus Pope and Bryan Turner received lieutenants' badges during the Jan. 3 Enterprise City Council meeting.

Each of the men was promoted to lieutenant after a vigorous promotion process that included a written test and interviews.

Collectively the firefighters have given more than 20 years of service to the city. Now, as lieutenants, they will guide the next generation of firefighters.

"I am very proud of what each of these men have accomplished," Fire Chief Byron Herring said. "I know they are going to do a great job."

Mayor Kenneth Boswell joined Herring in congratulating the firefighters.

"I sincerely appreciate your wanting to serve our city and be leaders," he said.

The men have served as lieutenants for almost a month.

The promotions doubled the number of lieutenants serving in the fire department.

In other council news, councilmembers unanimously approved the resurfacing of over 70 streets as part of a comprehensive plan to improve the city's roadways.

The over $2.4 million paving project is expected to begin no later than the end of January. The project should be complete within 120 days, Boswell said.

Councilmembers approved the $42,880 purchase of a new airport refueler.

The city's current refueler will be traded in for $10,880. The trade-in value will be credited to the cost of a new truck.

"We wanted to do this (purchase a new refueler) to ensure that our pilots and our airplanes and also the fuel we are providing them with are safe," Boswell said.

In other council action, up to six commercial lawnmowers will be purchased from the State of Alabama Bid List for about $52,000 after the council unanimously approved city clerk Steve Hicks' purchase request recently.

The lawnmowers will be purchased for various city departments and will be part of a program that was established to "keep lawnmowers working during the heavy season," Councilman Al Miller said.