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Firefighter recognized for continued education, council approves first stage of Berry annexation

by

Emily Featherston

Vestavia Hills Fire Department Chief Jim St. John recognized one of the city's own at Monday's city council meeting.

St. John explained to the council that Lt. Ryan Farrell recently completed the Executive Fire Officer Program.

The program is part of the U.S. Fire Administration's efforts to provide professional development for senior fire officers, teaching them how to combat difficult or unique fire-related issues in their communities.

The EFOP program requires participants to complete four graduate-level and baccalaureate equivalent courses, as well as a comprehensive research project.

St. John said that of the 900 participants that have completed the program nationwide, four including Farrell have come from Vestavia Hills.

Farrell thanked city officials for encouraging employees to attend courses that improve their ability to serve. He also thanked his wife, in-laws and parents for their patience and accommodation when he had to travel to take the course.

The council also took the first steps toward bringing the former Berry High School campus into city limits.

Because of state laws on how overnight-annexations can be made, the city will be required to hold two special meetings later in the week in order to fully bring the property in the city limits.

City Attorney Patrick Boone said while annexations are common and a matter of routine, they still have to be done within state law, and that is why the "50-yard line" method of annexation the city has to use in this case.

Boone also explained that one of the stipulations for the sale of the property to the board of education is that it has to be annexed before the sale can be finalized.

The council will meet again on Sept. 28 and Sept. 29 to consider the further annexation of the property.

Other council business included:

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