Fort Payne Honors Retired Firefighter

Fort Payne Honors Retired Firefighter

By Marla Jones, Managing Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — At Tuesday’s meeting of the Fort Payne City Council, the Council presented a retirement plaque to David Wright in appreciation for his many years of service with the Fort Payne Fire Department. 

The Council praised Wright for his tireless service to the community. Councilmember Wade Hill added a personal thanks to Wright, who saved his son’s life after a wreck. 

“A lot of times, you go through life and you don’t know if you have done a lot of good or done anything to make a difference,” said Hill. “But that man right there...has a special place in my heart. I owe him my son’s life.” 

“David Wright hired in at the same time as I did,” said Fort Payne Fire Chief Ron Saferite. “We served for 29 years together and he was a valuable employee that we hate to see go. We wish him the best in his retirement.”

Nikki Scott presented the Council with a petition to vacate an unopened alley adjacent to First Federal Bank. A hearing was scheduled for the June 4 Council meeting to receive public comments and to accommodate advertising requirements.

The Council discussed the following:

  • A $200,000 budget adjustment to Fort Payne City Schools for student and teacher supplies (to be voted at the next meeting)
  • A request for payment from County Administrator Matt Sharp for housing expenses incurred at the DeKalb County Animal Facility for a dog, which was confiscated as a vicious animal (to be handled by City Attorney Rocky Watson)

The Council approved the following:

  • The finalized Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Valley Joist for their new construction project
  • Payment to Kellett & Kellett for reimbursement of expenses related to the Valley Joist project in the amount of $1,352.50
  • Alcohol license for South-End Market due to an ownership change
  • Activity permit for Hustle for Hope’s St. Jude Fundraiser walk/run (High School route) on Saturday, June 22 from 6:30am until 9:30am
  • Street light requests for DeWayne Simpson at 6906 Oakwood Drive NW and Grant Walker at 410 Barry Street
  • Contract with Tinker Ma, Inc. for architectural services at the Public Works building

The Council went into executive session to discuss matters of trade, commerce and potential contract negotiations. 

The next meeting of the Fort Payne City Council will be held at 12pm on May 21 on the second floor of Fort Payne City Hall.