City Fire Chief Renews Request for More Full Time Paid Firefighters

April 28, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

Does the Smithville Fire Department need more fulltime firefighters?

Chief Charlie Parker believes the answer is “yes” and that’s why he is asking the City of Smithville for 2 more paid firefighters in the 2023-24 fiscal year budget.

Parker addressed the Mayor and Aldermen with his request during Monday night’s budget workshop.

The Smithville Fire Department currently has three full time staff members. Chief Parker was the first member hired as a full-time city firefighter in 2012. Dalton Roberts was added as the second city paid firefighter in 2020, followed by Glenn Lattimore in 2022.

Every budget year, Chief Parker asks for more paid staffers, and he said Monday night that his goal is for the city to eventually have at least 6 full time firefighters within 5 years. “This would mean we would have 2 firefighters on rotating shifts that would provide coverage 24 hours per day, 7 days a week”, he said.

The city has 28 volunteers on the roster, but Chief Parker told the mayor and aldermen Monday night that the volunteers are not always available when needed because of other jobs and commitments.

“There was an occasion last year when I had central dispatch call me on a Saturday afternoon while I was eating asking if anyone was going to respond to a call. I said well, I don’t know. Luckily it was an alarm call. I said send the police over there and if it is (a fire) you will have to call the county because we (city) don’t have anybody there. That was on a weekend, and it doesn’t happen a lot but it does happen, so we want to see about getting people here during the daytime to expand the coverage to include Saturdays and Sundays. Even so, that still only covers 8 hours out of 24 hours. My 5-year goal is to at least have 2 people around the clock,” said Chief Parker.

Several of the most senior members have been with the department for well over 30 years and are now age 55 or older yet they are among the most available when needed according to Chief Parker.

“This is not exactly an old man’s profession but these six or seven guys who have been here so long have made the department what it is today. They are making 75% to 80% of the calls and my fear is when they decide its time to retire those percentages will drop to 40% or 30% so that’s part of the reason why I am asking for more people although I don’t expect to get them all at one time,’ said Chief Parker.

The mayor and aldermen have not yet acted on Chief Parker’s request.

April 28, 2023
By: Dwayne Page

Champions!

The DeKalb Lady Saints fast pitch softball team claimed the Upper Cumberland Conference District Tournament Championship this week knocking off three straight opponents in the competition at Algood Middle School.

The Lady Saints began the week Monday beating Avery Trace 13-1 and then defeated Upperman 25 to 11 on Tuesday before capturing the district tournament crown with a 12-3 win over White County on Wednesday night.

Five Lady Saints were named to the All-District Tournament Team including Maggie Hendrixson (shortstop), Brooklyn Fuson (catcher), Liliana Judkins (pitcher), Hannah Brown (center fielder), and Jerusalem Aldino (left fielder).

Liliana Judkins was named MVP of the Upper Cumberland District Tournament

The Lady Saints now advance to the Region Tournament.

The team is coached by Sarah Jacobs and Alyssa Leslie is the assistant coach.

Members of the team are Allie Estes, Jerusalem Aldino, Brooklyn Fuson , Kennedy Odom, Lola Colwell,        Sophie Adcock, Liliana Judkins, Kaydence Johnson, Haylee Gutierrez,Hailey Moore, Chloee Cantrell,            Lillie Young, Maggie Hendrixson, Hannah Tobitt, Hannah Brown, Kenadee Prichard, Caroline Neal, and Lakelyn Nelson.

April 27, 2023
By:

Northside Elementary School has selected its Eagles of the Month

Every month, each homeroom teacher nominates a student out of his or her class that consistently exhibits attributes such as being on time, uses their time wisely, takes accountability for their own actions and learning, is responsible, and is respectful to both adults and peers. These students meet all of the S.O.A.R. (Safe, On time, Accountable, Respectful) expectations, give 110%, and have a kind heart. They each received an Eagle of the Month certificate and yard sign. Northside is very proud of each student!

Eagles of the Month:

March
Laney Dillard (5th grade) is always kind and respectful to others. She works hard and always tries her best. She is a great helper to her teachers and peers. Congratulations Laney!

Lillyan Gomez (4th grade) tries her best and works hard. She is friendly to other students, helps with anything, and is always smiling. Congratulations Lillyan!

Sadie Puckett (3rd grade) is friendly and has a very bubbly personality. She is sweet and works very hard. She likes to help her teachers out and is always willing to help her classmates out. I love witnessing the patience she has to explain an answer to a classmate who is struggling. Congratulations Sadie!

Cain Buck (3rd grade) has made tremendous growth this year. Not only does he try to be his best self, but he encourages others to be their best selves as well. He works very hard in all academic areas and is not afraid to face a challenge! Congratulations Cain!

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