Binzer wins excellence award
From Left: Retired Mountain Brook City Manager Sam Gaston, Brain Binzer and Pelham City Manager and ACCMA President Gretchen DiFante
Alabaster City Administrator Brian Binzer received the 2025-2026 Sam Gaston Vocational Excellence Award from the Alabama City County Management Association in late May.
The award, named in honor of longtime former Mountain Brook City Manager Sam Gaston, is presented each year to a municipal or county leader who demonstrates excellent professional management, fiscal responsibility, risk management and economic development. In addition to overseeing the city’s departments, Binzer also serves on the CDBG Urban County Board, the Shelby County Board of Directors Leadership, the Alabaster Business Alliance and the Alabaster Planning and Zoning Board. Additionally, he founded the Alabaster Downtown Redevelopment Authority and is the co-creator of the Alabaster Citizens Government Academy.
K-9 Nilo gets good care
Dr. Brandon McKim and the staff at Kent Farms Animal Hospital happily take care of the newest four-legged Alabaster Police officer, K-9 Nilo. Nilo is an 18 month old Labrador Retriever from Colombia (South America).
Alabaster Police officers carry the flame of hope
Alabaster and Calera Police officers joined forces in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Alabama to help carry the Flame of Hope through Shelby County.
Law enforcement agencies from across the area came together in support of the incredible athletes of Special Olympics Alabama and the mission they represent.
Chad Trautwein nominated for Firefighter of the Year
Lieutenant Chad Trautwein has been nominated for the American Legion Matthew Blount Post 555 Firefighter of the Year. Lt. Trautwein is a second-generation firefighter with 22 years of service. He brings a steady, humble example to the Alabaster Fire Department every day.