Jacksonville, AL – The Calhoun County 911 Board met on July 18, 2025, to conduct regular business and to honor the memory of one of its own, the late Chief Jeff Waldrep. A special proclamation was presented in recognition of Chief Waldrep’s career in public safety, which began in 1994 and culminated in his role as Fire Chief for the City of Anniston. He served on the CC911 Board of Commissioners from March 1, 2022, until his untimely passing on June 10, 2025. His chair at the board table was intentionally left vacant as a solemn tribute.
The proclamation was presented by CC911 Board Chairman Chief Gary Sparks to Chief Waldrep’s wife, Mrs. Christie Waldrep, and daughter, Mrs. Rylee Waldrep Corkern. Those in attendance for the presentation included CC911 Board Attorney Adam Maniscalco, CC911 Director Kevin Jenkins, CC911 Vice Chairman Shane Denham, Van Roberts Sr., Ken McElroy, and Chief Marcus Wood. Also present were Anniston Fire Assistant Chief Arnold and Assistant Chief Connell, who joined in honoring their late colleague.
Following the presentation, the board moved forward with its agenda, approving previous meeting minutes and reviewing financial reports. Director Kevin Jenkins and his assistant Tyler Barry provided updated financial statements, noting a 7% decrease in cash reserves due to expected debt payments. However, the board remains financially strong, with over $1 million in actual cash received for the fiscal year and operations running within 75% of the approved budget. While depreciation expenses skewed the net income on paper, actual operating performance remains solid.
The board approved a resolution to explore relocating communications equipment from a leased site in Lincoln to a potentially more secure location at the Anniston Army Depot. The initiative, originally championed by Chief Waldrep, would improve service reliability and offer more control over essential infrastructure, pending site feasibility.
In other business, the board approved the purchase of a new vehicle to replace an aging unit. The request falls within the current year’s budget and will involve sending bid requests to regional dealerships as well as the state contractor.
The board also finalized its budget committee for upcoming fiscal planning, noting that in the absence of Chief Waldrep, the committee will consist of Kim McElroy, Phil Winkles, and other members necessary to maintain a quorum. The next meeting is scheduled for August 21, 2025, when the board will open bids for the FY24 audit and consider the proposed budget.
