BAY MINETTE — Bay Minette has its first female firefighter in Magen Wright, one of two new hires at the Bay Minette Fire Department.

Wright and Chris Hansard were introduced by Fire Chief Phil Bryars during the regular Bay Minette City Council meeting Monday night.

Hansard has already assumed duties as a certified firefighter. Wright is already HAZMAT certified and will attend the next fire college to obtain her certification.

As the new are welcomed, the city said goodbye to one of its veteran police officers as Sgt. Joe Parker prepares to end his 25-year tenure with the Bay Minette Police Department.

"Joe has been an anchor in the Bay Minette Police Department for 25 years. He has served as mentor and advisor for officers and public officials," Mayor Jamie Tillery said.

"To Joe, I want to say how much we admire your dedication to your fellow colleagues and to our city. You are an integral part of our city's growth and prosperity.

"I know I speak for everyone when I say this is a bittersweet moment — saying goodbye to a friend and colleague who has meant so much. But we are all happy that you will have time to kick back and pursue new dreams. You will be missed," she said.

Parker was presented the Distinguished Service Award by the mayor and council.

Police Chief Michael Rowland gave an update on the Christmas Cop program, which is in its second year. The program identifies families in need and provides gifts for the children.

Last year Christmas Cop, or Ruffin Crook as he's known the rest of the year, and volunteers delivered presents to 60 children. This year, because of the enormous number of children being served, gifts were distributed at the Civic Center Tuesday evening.

"We had 84 children on the list. Members of our Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association wrapped more than 600 gifts," he said. He said the majority of the gifts came from Dollar Tree and Dollar General through a donation program at the stores.

"This year we were also able to purchase 22 bicycles thanks to a donation from a citizen," Rowland said. He said nine dinner gift cards were given to families to help them with Christmas dinner.

In more routine business, the council held the second reading of an ordinance authorizing a land-swap between Sonny Dobbins and the City of Bay Minette. The ordinance was approved "subject to consent by Alabama Power."

City Attorney Scotty Lewis said officials at Alabama Power must give clearance before the deal can be finalized.

"(Officials) said that is a major transmission line that serves 30 percent of Bay Minette. He says he's got to contact all three landowners first," Lewis said. He said officials at the power company indicated their consent for the council to go ahead with its vote.

Additionally, the council approved a resolution that would allow the city to accept a grant from the Department of Transportation to complete phase three of the sidewalk project.

During the mayor's report, Tillery issued a response to recent comments made by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Washington, on NPR's "All Things Considered."

Murray was recently quoted on the talk show regarding the fight over a tanker contract between Boeing and Northrop-Grumman.

"I have stood on the line in Everett, Wash., where we have thousands of workers who go to work every day to build these planes. I would challenge anybody to tell me that they’ve stood on a line in Alabama and seen anybody building anything.”

The comment has elicited numerous responses from diplomats throughout Alabama, and Tillery was no exception.

"To Senator Patty Murray of Washington: The great people of Alabama form a workforce of pride and dedication with skills honed by continued training and enhancement as we constantly prepare for new industrial technology.

"We stand on principles of non-discrimination and rational business practices that are grounded in the integrity of the past, the principles of today and our preparation for tomorrow.

"Our skilled workforce built with pride the giant Saturn V engine that propelled astronauts to the moon, while our competent workforce works together to repair the valves of a newborn's heart. And you will find our skilled artisans performing a pas-de-dieux in the Nutcracker Ballet.

"From creating to manufacturing to assembly, we continually evaluate our training and programs offered for all learners at institutions like Faulkner State Community College and the AIDT. We encourage lifelong learning and work toward a prosperous future with other states.

"We have formed the Aerospace Alliance to illustrate our cooperation, collaboration and communication with other fine skilled workers.

"Senator Murray, our workforce and our dedicated elected officials would never demean another state's citizenry in order to support our own accomplishments. We stand on our own and we stand behind our achievements. We know that we can do the job today and tomorrow."

In closing, the mayor wished a Merry Christmas to the city.