By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – The Montevallo Chamber of Commerce hosted its monthly luncheon at the Parnell Memorial Library on Wednesday, March 19, with the meeting honoring Montevallo’s first responders.

Adele Nelson, the executive director of the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, discussed the inspiration behind centering the luncheon around first responders.

“Several folks in the community reached out to the chamber wanting to have a local Montevallo first responder appreciation event, and I thought the Montevallo Chamber luncheon would be the perfect venue to host the event and invite the businesses and community,” Nelson said.

Montevallo Chief of Police Jeremy Littleton honored Officer Caleb Sims, the 2024 Montevallo Police Department Officer of the Year, during the meeting. Montevallo Fire and Rescue Chief Brad Davis honored Gabe Haynie as the 2024 Firefighter of the Year.

Brantley Burk was recognized by Davis with the Chief Bill Reid Dedication Award, Blaine Graham was awarded with the Explorer of the Year award and Ethan Crook was honored as Most Improved Explorer.

David King, the Montevallo city councilperson for District 1 and the Public Health & Safety Committee chair, was the luncheon’s speaker.

Outside of the luncheon, Nelson detailed the various ways that the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce assists first responders.

“Montevallo Chamber is a supporter of our first responders by being part of the annual Montevallo National Night Out and our Montevallo first responders are also part of the numerous Chamber events such as Hometown Halloween, Montevallo Christmas Parade, ribbon cuttings and the Tinglewood Festival just to name a few,” Nelson said. “The Montevallo Chamber (also) hosted a blessing for the new fire truck in February. The Montevallo community is so supportive of each other and works as a team.”

The next Montevallo Chamber of Commerce Luncheon will focus on education appreciation, and is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16 at the Parnell Memorial Library beginning at 11:30 a.m.

For more information on the Montevallo Chamber of Commerce, visit Montevallochamberofcommerce.com.