As members of the Bridgeport Fire Department stood before City Council this evening, Mayor Robert “Bob” Greer paid tribute to their efforts in the recent blaze that leveled a small section of the Crestview Terrace Apartment complex.

 

Following the words by the Mayor, Interim Fire Chief Phil Hart acknowledged his staff for their effort not just on that fire, but one the following week at a residence on Corbin Branch Road. He also singled out Firefighters Ben Tacy and Shawn Bourne for removing a victim from the Crestview fire in an expedient and safe manner.

 

Then, following a few additional words from Hart and several photos, Hart and the rest of the staff quickly took their seats. It appeared issues involving the Bridgeport Fire Department were over. City Manager Kim Haws had other ideas.

 

“I just wanted to, before everyone leaves, felt that this was a fitting venue to make an announcement. We’ve been served over the last few months by the interim chief,” said Haws. “I’d like to formally announce that interim Chief Hart was appointed permanent chief tonight.”

 

The announcement drew a standing ovation from staff, members of Council and several others gathered at the Council meeting. And in true fireman fashion, with the possibility that an emergency of some order could be in the immediate future Hart and the staff departed Council to either head home or back to work.

 

Although not part of the formal agenda, the announcement was definitely one of the highlights of the meeting. Hart said he was thrilled with being selected.

 

““I was happy to get the news and now I’m going to try and do my best to represent the city in the best possible manner and move the department forward,” said Hart. “I’m honored the city had faith in myself and my staff. I’m honored to be the chief of the finest and most outstanding group of firefighters anywhere.”

 

Hart is no stranger to the department. This October, he will enter his 27^th year with the Bridgeport Fire Department. He has been serving in an interim role since former Chief Robert "Bob" Securro submitted his resignation letter Jan. 26. Hart was appointed to that position the next day.

 

Greer also presented a proclamation to John Paul Nardelli who was representing Highland-Clarksburg Hospital. The proclamation is for May being Mental Health Awareness Month.

 

Steve Dunham also gave a report to Council on the local Drug Free Club Program. Dunham, a member of the FBI Citizen Academy Alumni Association, talked about the huge success the program was at Bridgeport High School in the initial year.

 

The pilot program exceeded everyone’s expectations as far as participation. He said of the 762 students, 120 were members of the club. Dunham said the numbers were spread out fairly even throughout all four grades.

 

As for official business, the first reading of an ordinance required to establish the grade/step salary schedule for all city employees was passed. The second reading will take place at the first meeting in June.

 

The only other items of business on the agenda were a pair of budget revisions – one in the cemetery fund and another in the general fund

 

Bridgeport Finance Director Monica Musgrave explained to Council that the cemetery fund revision increases the revenue from the sale of monuments by $11,400. The city anticipates bringing in additional revenue there.  Because of that, the expenditure side increases the purchase of monuments for resale by $5,700 and the balance of $5,700 will go into contingency.

 

As for the general fund revision, she said the revision allocates $30,000 that the City will receive from a Homeland Security Grant to purchase Special Response Team rifle plates, mobile data terminals and cruiser video recorders. Both revisions were unanimously passed.

 

Prior to the adjournment, Council member John Wilson piled praise on the Bridgeport High School graduating class of 2016 and lauded those who spoke during Sunday's graduation ceremony. He also sang the praises of Robert C. Byrd High School recently graduate senior Justyn Jenkins. Jenkins, who has battled tremendous adversity to make it to graduation day, received tremendous praise from Wilson.

 

"I believe I can speak on behalf of Council on how strong a young man Justyn is and I know we'll be seeing successful things from him," said Wilson.

 

Wilson also suggested that those in the community that don't know Jenkins' story to read it. It can be found by clicking HERE.

Editor's Note: Top photo show new Bridgeport Fire Chief Phil Hart receiving a standing ovation shortly after being named to the post without the interim tag, while he's shown with former Chief Robert "Bob" Securro in the middle photo. Bottom photo shows Steve Dunham addressing Council.