HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Despite a fairly light council meeting agenda, Hanceville City Hall was packed with first responders and their superiors, family and friends on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. All were gathered to watch members of Hanceville Fire Rescue as they were recognized for coming together to save a resident’s life, and to witness the promotion of Zachary Hightower from Hanceville police officer to corporal.
Assistant Fire Chief Bart Absher said the recognition was largely made possible by Hanceville’s commitment to incorporating advanced life support training. The training, while expensive and lengthy, can be a literal life-or-death difference for residents in a medical crisis, such as cardiac arrest, particularly for those who live farther away from hospitals and treatment centers.
“On that call (in January 2023), our department responded to a residence here right outside the city limits to a cardiac arrest. Not all cardiac arrests turn out good, unfortunately. But this particular one did turn out good. The citizen survived, but it was a team effort,” explained Absher, “so we want to do some thank-yous and commendations for our people who were there!”
Those who responded to that life-saving call were awarded plaques and commemorative coins, including Fire Chief Rodger Green, Britt Banks, Tina Weeks, Shanon Hipp and Derek Bennefield.
The Hanceville Police Department’s Zachary Hightower was also recognized as he was promoted from the rank of offer to corporal. Police Chief Joshua Howell shared his reasoning for the promotion, touching on the fact that Hightower started as a dispatcher and has worked his way up.
“Whether it’s responding to emergencies with composure and effectiveness, collaborating seamlessly with fellow officers or engaging with the community in a spirit of empathy and compassion, Officer Hightower has consistently proven himself as a true asset to our team.” Howell stated.
Hightower’s girlfriend, Morgan Arrington, was given the privilege of the first pinning of his corporal badge.
In other council business, bills were paid.
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