Officers recognized for support of Public Service Academy students

Published 9:28 am Tuesday, December 10, 2019

By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – Three Shelby County Sheriff’s Office employees were recognized at the Dec. 9 Shelby County Commission meeting for their support of students studying law enforcement and firefighting at the Career Technical Educational center.

Several of Public Service Academy Instructor Gary Griffith’s students presented plaques of appreciation to Capt. Jay Fondren, Lt. Owen Prescott and Lt. Mark Bishop for volunteering to participate in mock interviews with the students.

“They not only interviewed our students, but they talked to our students on a one-on-one basis, and that gave the students an appreciation for who they are,” Griffith said. “That’s what inspires our students to do great things.”

In their third year in the Public Service Academy, students are allowed to job shadow local police and fire department personnel.

Following the presentation, the commission approved a resolution awarding a $132,282 bid for an air curtain burner to the only responsive bidder, Air Burners Inc.

The equipment will be used to burn brush in compliance with Alabama Department of Environmental Management regulations.

In other business, the commission also:

  • Approved a resolution regarding policies and procedures applicable to federal awards as required by the Code of Federal Regulations.
  • Approved a resolution designating Saturday, March 28, and Saturday, Oct. 3, as the two days in 2020 for Shelby County residents, churches and civic groups to dispose of trash and debris at the Shelby County Landfill at no charge.