Pelham honors firefighters and volunteers who represented Alabama at Camp Conquest

PELHAM, Ala. — Pelham city leaders used part of their Dec. 1 meeting to recognize members of the Pelham Fire Department and volunteers who have supported Camp Conquest, a pediatric burn camp.

City Manager Gretchen introduced Chief Mike Reed, who described longstanding department participation in Camp Conquest and noted that Captain Wes Green and volunteer Brandon (nicknamed "Blue") were nominated to represent Alabama at an international burn-camp gathering in Washington, D.C.

“One of the best parts of my job is when I get a chance to brag on one of our own,” Chief Mike Reed said, describing department volunteers and partner organizations that support the camp. Captain Wes Green, who has served as a counselor for about nine years, described working with campers and the camaraderie counselors develop over a week at Lake Martin: “At first, I was nervous about going ... But once you get there and you experience it ... by the end of the week, they’re like, ‘Blue, we’re all running around in bathing suits.’”

The city manager said Pelham has long been one of the main local supporters of Camp Conquest through counselors, logistical help and other volunteer support. Captain Green and Brandon introduced family members who joined them at the meeting and the council thanked the volunteers for their service.

The recognition was brief; the council later moved on to new business.