Prattville Council appoints Josh Bingham as new Fire Chief, reappoints Police Chief Thompson

Malia Riggs

Elmore Autauga News

Photos from Prattville Fire Department and Malia Riggs

The Prattville City Council appointed and reappointed two department heads that are crucial for the operations of emergency response in the City of Prattville, Tuesday evening.

The council reappointed the Mark Thompson, the current Chief of Police, for the City of Prattville.

The Prattville Council also unanimously approved to appoint Josh Bingham as the Fire Chief for the City of Prattville. Bingham is currently serving as the Interim Fire Chief after the retirement of former Fire Chief Terry D. Brown after his 37 years of unwavering service to the Prattville Community.

Bingham had his badge pinned by his family, while members of the Prattville Fire Department, who Bingham called secondary family, stood proudly behind him in the city council chambers to show their support.

“It’s an honor to be appointed as our chief of this great department. I’m truly blessed, and I thank God for the opportunity to serve the city in this capacity. To the men and women who provide fire and rescue and EMS protection of the city’s residents and visitors, they’re second to none. They’re some of the most highly trained and highly knowledgeable people in the fire service in the state of Alabama,” Bingham said.

Bingham has served as the Deputy Fire Chief for the Prattville Fire Department since 2004, according to Bingham’s LinkedIn profile. Bingham is also a registered nurse, paramedic and firefighter, further strengthening the emergency services he provides to Prattville and Autauga County.

The Prattville Fire Department response area covers over 36 square miles and includes major highways, waterways, rail lines, industrial and commercial sites as well as residential. While also receiving Emergency Medical Services, or EMS calls, the department responds to other hazards within the radius such as dive rescue and recovery, hazardous materials spills and releases, technical rescue events such as vehicle extrication, collapse, swift water rescue, and confined space rescue and more.

When Bingham was appointed interim chief, former Chief Brown suggested to Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie and the Prattville City Council to name Deputy Fire Chief Josh Bingham as the Prattville Fire Chief after his retirement. Brown stated at that meeting that where Brown stated Bingham is a godly man and more than fit for the job.

Police Chief Thompson has served in his capacity since 2013, however his career in law enforcement started in Montgomery over 40 years ago. He began as a jail officer with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, according to the City of Prattville Website.

Thompson is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 178 and served as the president of the Alabama Tactical Officers Association from 2007 to 2008. Thompson has also served in positions in court security, patrol, investigations, narcotics and SWAT, according to the City of Prattville website.