The Cullman Fire Department handed out two of its highest honors Monday, awarding Engineer Neville Franks and firefighter/paramedic Joel Sims its firefighter and EMT of the year awards for 2018.

Cullman Fire Chief Brian Bradberry said both Franks and Sims have exemplified the department’s goals and standards for public service, praising each for their attention to detail and commitment to carry out their work with integrity.

Franks, who joined the department in 2008, demonstrates a passion for community service through a number of outreach roles and through connecting with the wider community, “speaking to children when we go to the schools, where his enthusiasm for the job shows,” said Bradberry. “Engineer Franks is an excellent representative of the department.”

Sims, who joined the department only last year, already has proven his value as an on-scene EMT when seconds are crucial, Franks said. In nominating Sims, Cpt. Adam Lackey “referenced an emergency medical call with an unresponsive patient in cardiac arrest. Firefighter Sims immediately assumed patient care and utilized the assisting personnel in an extremely effective manner.”

Both firefighters were presented with their awards at Monday’s regular meeting of the Cullman City Council.

In other business, the council:

• Approved a request from resident Matthew Shaddrix for a noise permit to hold a private St. Patrick’s-themed event from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. on March 16.
• Approved a request from Johnann Moore of Book and Barrel Outfitters to hold an annual spring street sale along First Avenue in the Warehouse District. The approval is conditional on Moore demonstrating that all merchants along the one-block section of the district are in agreement that the March 8 and 9 sale should be held.
• Approved a special event request from Heather Gudger to hold the Southern Makers Build-a-Bride runway show on March 2 at Southern Accents. The permit covers the period between 6:30 p.m. and midnight.
• Approved an application from Save-A-Lot, located at 1734 Second Ave. SW, for a city license for off-premises beer and wine sales.
• Adopted a resolution submitting the city’s pre-application to the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan program for improvements to the sewer collection system.
• Adopted a resolution, on a roll call vote, to pass ordinance No. 2019-08, which allows the city to rehire retired police officers and fire fighters.
• Adopted a resolution to enter into a purchase agreement for the city to acquire approximately one acre of land along Second Ave., bounded by Young Street and Oak Drive.
• Adopted a resolution approving a $3,389 change order to an agreement with C.H. Harris, Inc. for upgrading roofing materials at the city’s new sanitation building.
• Adopted, as in past years, a Municipal Water Pollution Resolution for 2019.
• Reappointed Brad Smith to the Construction Board, and appointed Dr. Benjamin Rogers to the Medical Clinic Board. Both appointments were nominations of council member Johnny Cook.
• Approved the minutes of the Feb. 11 regular council meeting.
• The next regular council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, March 4 in the auditorium at Cullman City Hall.