Prattville names Fire Station Four after retiring Fire Chief Terry Brown

Malia Riggs

Elmore Autauga News

Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie announced Fire Chief Terry D. Brown’s retirement at the Prattville City Council meeting last Tuesday evening.

Brown has served within the Prattville Fire Department for over 37 years, gaining his start on February 9th, 1987. Brown progressed through the ranks from a firefighter to a Sergeant Driver Operator in 1990, to Lieutenant in 1997, Captain in 2000, Division Chief and Fire Marshal in 2002, Deputy Fire Chief in 2007 and finally Fire Chief in 2011. Brown will serve out his time as Chief until his last official day Sept. 1 of this year.

“I know you will be so busy with your family and everything else, but it’s been a pleasure, and an honor, and I wish you the best, as the good Lord turns a chapter in this book, thank you so much,” Gillespie said.

For his years of dedicated service, the City of Prattville gifted Brown with a custom clock that is made of an old saw blade from the Mill Pond.

“I want to thank my best friend, and that’s my beautiful wife (Karen) who’s been beside me this whole time and has given me the opportunity to carry this career on. My wife will tell you no one has enjoyed a career more than I have, and God has truly blessed me. He’s blessed me being surrounded by talented individuals,” Brown said with obvious emotion in his voice.

Brown was instrumental in securing the land and opening the fourth fire station in Prattville. The City Council passed a resolution Tuesday evening naming Fire Station Four as the Terry D. Brown Fire Station in honor of over 37 years of unwavering service to the Prattville Community.

“I have two beautiful sons who I look up to with Hunter and his lovely wife, Savannah, and Connor, his lovely wife, Susan. Connor’s beat him to the draw. I have two wonderful grandchildren, my sunshine, Nora Jane, and my namesake, Brooks Terry. I am looking forward to that chapter of my life,” Brown said.

All council members and even some public commentors during the public portion of the meeting wished Brown well and thanked him for his service. Councilman Michael Whaley stated he had the pleasure of working with Brown for the better part of 27 years.

“I’ve worked with you quite a few years day-in and day-out. We’ve ate a lot of Chinese food, and Mexican food. But I do appreciate everything you’ve done for me. If you hadn’t decided to stay four years ago, I wouldn’t be right here. God has a way of working things out and I don’t question it. I have your phone number so don’t change it,” Whaley said with a laugh.

Brown suggested to the mayor and council to name Deputy Fire Chief Josh Bingham as Fire Chief after his retirement, stating that Bingham is a godly man. Bingham was named interim Chief until a Chief is appointed, after Brown’s retirement.

While Brown’s fire service with Prattville will soon be extinguished, his burning light and legacy will live on shaping the Prattville Fire Department and Station 4. His name will remain on the building that he had a huge hand in making a reality.