PARRISH — Members of the Parrish Volunteer Fire Department and a member of the town’s police department were commended Tuesday night during a council meeting.
Parrish Police Chief Danny Woodard handed out the commendations. He first recognized Parrish Fire for their recent action when a 2-year-old had walked out of its home.
“It was the fast work of the fire department that allowed the child to be found quickly and safe a couple of hundred yards from its home,” Woodard said.
Accepting the commendation for the fire department was Chief Randy Phillips. Woodard said the fire department always does a great job.
“Parrish is lucky to have a fire department like we have,” Woodard said. “They are always there when you need them. Even if I need help at 2 or 3 in the morning, they are always there. Their work and effort sure make my job easier.”
Parrish Police Officer Daniel Woodard, the chief’s son, also received a commendation for his work during a recent traffic stop that escalated into a pursuit on Interstate 22.
“Officer Woodard did a great job in a dangerous situation,” Chief Woodard said. “The incident could have been much worse than it was. Officer Woodard was in pursuit and worked with several other agencies to locate the suspect once he wrecked his car and fled on foot into the woods.”
Mayor Bubba Cagle praised the police and fire departments.
“They have both done a great job,” Cagle said. “Our town should be proud of the work they do. I know they take a lot of stress off me.”
James Odom, a Parrish resident, spoke up during the meeting to compliment the two departments as well.
“They are there when we need them,” he said. “They are good people, and they do a good job in dealing with people. They don’t talk down to you. They treat you with respect, and that means a lot.”
In other action from the meeting, the council appointed former mayor La’Tisha Oliver to the Parrish Water Works and Sewer Board.
Council members also voted to appoint Steven Gravlee as the town’s municipal judge. Gravlee replaces Garve Ivey III, who recently stepped down after accepting a position at the Walker County District Attorney’s Office, Cagle said.
