Standing Up for Public Safety in Pelham

Public safety isn’t just a bullet point on a campaign flyer to me. It’s personal. My dad was a firefighter. I grew up watching him put service over self, day in and day out. That shaped how I see my role in this community. I didn’t get into public service to play politics. I did it because I believe in doing the work and doing what’s right, especially when it comes to protecting our families, our neighborhoods, and the people who answer the call when we need help most.

Since being appointed to the Pelham City Council, I’ve backed public safety at every opportunity. Not with words…with action. That means showing up, listening, and voting yes when it counts.

I’ve supported major investments in our fire department, including the purchase of two new fire trucks and the replacement of a critical backup generator at Fire Station 5. I voted to install new fire hydrants along Ballantrae Club Drive and accepted a grant to fund the purchase of a LUCAS Device,  life-saving equipment that delivers chest compressions during cardiac emergencies. I also supported the creation of new leadership roles like Assistant EMS Director and Chief of EMS & Training to keep our emergency services modern, efficient, and ready for what’s next.

For our police department, I’ve proudly voted yes on equipment upgrades funded through forfeiture…practical tools that help solve crimes and keep officers safe. I supported night shift compensation stipends to help recruit and retain quality officers, and I voted to fund Panasonic Toughbooks so our officers have better technology in the field. I backed a five-year agreement for body cameras, and I supported a new recruitment partnership with WBRC to help tell our department’s story and attract the best candidates to serve here in Pelham.

Just recently, I voted to affirm Chief Ed Delmore as Pelham’s new Police Chief. That was an easy decision. He brings experience, steady leadership, and a deep respect for the badge, and I believe our city is better with him leading the department.

But supporting public safety doesn’t stop with fire trucks and police gear. It’s also about infrastructure. I’ve voted to maintain and improve traffic signals and LED lighting at key intersections across the city. I supported a partnership with ALDOT on improvements along Highway 119, and I backed efforts to upgrade our outdated loop detection systems to smart camera technology that helps prevent accidents and improves emergency response times.

Along the way, I’ve shown up to welcome new officers and dispatchers to our team…nine of them in one night. These moments matter. They reflect a city that’s growing, investing, and doing right by the people who serve it.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: I don’t believe in lip service. I believe in putting in the work. That’s what I’ve done when it comes to public safety, and that’s what I’ll keep doing because our families, our first responders, and our future depend on it.

Thank you to all who serve. I’m proud to stand with you.

—Michael Harris