A retired fire captain, recent Hopkinsville Fire Department promotions, and Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation were recognized during the Hopkinsville City Council meeting Tuesday night.
Recently retired Captain Bill Nightingale was recognized for his 20-years of service with the Hopkinsville Fire Department. Fire Chief Steve Futrell said Nightingale started in 2001 and in 2010 he received a Medal of Valor after he and two other employees resuscitated and saved another firefighter. He noted that Nightingale was promoted to lieutenant in 2014 and captain in 2018. Futrell became emotional when addressing Nightingale’s family.
Mayor Wendell Lynch congratulated Nightingale on his retirement and said the retired fire captain is leaving behind a legacy of service that is second to none. He then read the inscription on a plaque presented to Nightingale.
Chief Futrell also recognized newly promoted Fire Captain Andrew Watts and Lieutenants Kyle Graves and Payton Rogers who were were sworn in by Mayor Lynch and pinned by family members.
In addition, Chief Futrell and Mayor Lynch recognized Battalion Chief Charles Michael Henderson and Engineer/EMT Anthony “Tony” Harris with a Certificate of Service for reaching their 25-year milestone.
Mayor Lynch and the city council also recognized Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation and the Planters Bank-Jennie Stuart Sportsplex for receiving awards at the Kentucky Recreation and Parks Society’s awards luncheon earlier this month. Parks and Rec received the Department of the Year Award while the Sportsplex snagged the Facility Award.
Parks and Rec Superintendent Tab Brockman said his team works hard and they are like family but he added this is a community award.
During comments, City Attorney Doug Willen gave an update regarding the new law implemented by OSHA requiring any employer with more than 100 employees to mandate a COVID-19 vaccination or weekly testing for those who are not vaccinated. Willen says the law is currently on hold but they are working on a policy if this law is upheld and the city is required to comply.
During action items, the city council approved the second reading of a franchise agreement with OpenFiber Kentucky Company LLC by a 9-1 vote. Councilman Terry Parker cast the no vote with council members Kim McCarley and Jason Bell not present for the meeting.
