Oxford, AL — October 28, 2025. The Oxford City Council and Mayor Alton Craft recognized Oxford Elementary School student Kyrin Wallace during Tuesday night’s council meeting for his bravery and calm response during a fire at his home earlier this month.
On October 11, 2025, Wallace used fire safety skills he learned during the Oxford Fire Department’s school outreach program, leading to his being named an honorary firefighter by Fire Chief Gary Sparks. During the meeting, Mayor Craft presented Wallace with a city proclamation praising his courage and presence of mind.
The proclamation noted that Wallace’s actions demonstrated “qualities that serve as a powerful example of the importance of fire safety education and the heroic potential within every child.” It went on to commend him “for his bravery, leadership, and calm response in the face of danger, and express the city’s heartfelt gratitude for his shining example of heroism.”
Attendees in the council chambers gave Wallace a standing ovation. Chief Sparks shared that while Kyrin excelled in fire safety, the student revealed he aspires to be a police officer like his father, who serves with the Anniston Police Department. In response, Oxford Police Chief Bill Partridge presented Wallace with an Oxford Police shield, telling him, “When you turn 21, you’ve got a job.”
Council Business
The meeting, held at 6:30 p.m. in the Oxford City Hall Council Chambers, opened with an invocation by Greg Turner of Oxford First Baptist Church and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of the October 14, 2025, minutes.
During the consent agenda, council members unanimously passed:
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Resolution No. 2025-103 — Suspending the rule requiring the council to meet on the second Tuesday of November and scheduling the next meeting for Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in recognition of the Veterans Day holiday.
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Setting a public hearing for November 3, 2025, to consider a condemnation at 1225 Luttrell Street.
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Setting a public hearing for November 3, 2025, regarding a zoning request from Matinez Hall to rezone property at 1335 Butler Street from General Manufacturing District (M-2) to General Business District (GB), as previously reviewed by the Oxford Planning Commission on October 7, 2025.
The meeting concluded with council and mayoral comments before adjournment.
Next regular meeting: Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
