By MACKENZEE SIMMS | Staff Writer

PELHAM – After 19 years of service in the city of Pelham, retiring Fire Medic Buddy Ingleright was recognized by the Pelham City Council on Monday, Dec. 2.

According to Pelham Fire Chief Mike Reid, Ingleright has more than 30 years of experience in public safety with 19 of those years in Pelham. Reid shared that although Ingleright is retiring from service in Pelham, he will continue to serve the public in his next position as a flight medic.

“This is a bittersweet moment,” Reid said. “Sweet for Buddy as he has the opportunity to start a new chapter… Of course, it is bitter for us because Buddy leaves a huge hole of excellence with our department. He truly is an excellent member of our department.”

While serving in Pelham, Ingleright was a member of the Honor Guard, a charter member of the Pelham Fire Department’s peer support system and has coordinated the PFD’s breast cancer awareness program every October since 2011.

In addition, Ingleright pioneered a Rapid Sequence Intubation paramedic pilot program. The accomplishments of the RSI program resulted in Ingleright giving a presentation at the Alabama EMS conference this past November.

Ingleright completed his last shift with the Pelham Fire Department on Sunday, Nov. 24. In recognition of his service, the PFD framed the flag that flew over Fire Station 1 during Ingleright’s last shift and presented the flag to him during his retirement recognition.

“Your courage, integrity and selfless devotion has left an incredible mark on the Pelham Fire Department and the countless lives you have touched throughout your career,” Reid said. “Your unwavering commitment and sacrifice have made a lasting impact, and your legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in your footsteps.”

Upon receiving the flag, Ingleright took a moment to thank his fellow firefighters gathered in the room.

“I really appreciate the opportunities I’ve had here in Pelham,” Ingleright said. “We’ve gotten to do some really great things. I always thought that retirement was going to be easy, that I’d be ready to run out the door and I’d be looking at my watch the last day. But it really wasn’t like that. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, leaving this place, and it’s because of those guys. You’ve got one of the best fire departments in the state. There’s no doubt.”

Those interested in more information about the Pelham Fire Department can visit Pelhamalabama.gov/185/Fire-Department.