BAY MINETTE — Though a new, state-of-the-art facility stands in its staid, the former Ft. Beveridge Armory is not forgotten. The new Ft. Beveridge Fire Station was dedicated to the armory's and its namesake's memory during a ceremony Oct. 8.

Bay Minette Fire Chief Phil Bryars said the decision to tear down the armory was a tough one.

"It was the idea of Chief (Phil) Bryars (Sr.) and Mayor (Sonny) Dobbins to build the new fire station, but the question was what to do with the armory," Bryars said. "It was their intention to remodel the armory and use it for the new fire station, but the building had not been kept up and could not be used."

Bryars said while the armory was a special place to many people, those involved realized the building wasn't the legacy.

"(The armory) meant so much to so many people. We talked about it, but then we realized the building really didn't matter, it was the name," he said.

The armory was named for Lt. Bruce Beveridge, who was a member of the National Guard stationed at the armory. Beveridge later joined the military and left for Korea.

"On Sept. 8, 1951, just 20 years old, he was killed by a warship," Val Obregon, national chaplain for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said.

Obregon said he talked with several of Beveridge's comrades and said the conversations were moving.

"Their voices were full of emotion, pride and teared with admiration," he said. "They loved this guy for what he did. He was a hero, but most importantly, he was a man's man.

"There is a saying, 'every act in our lives touches someone in a way that will leave a legacy for life.' What Lt. Beveridge did will be forever etched in these men's memories."

One man present at the ceremony holds special memories of Beveridge. Gen. Jimmy Owen, who served as Beveridge's commander.

"When Bruce was sent to Korean, Gen. Owen volunteered to go with him. They got over there at the same time, but were separated," Obregon said.

He said Owen was injured during his time in Korea.

Owen was present at the unveiling of a portrait of Bruce Beveridge, and presented the soldier's Purple Heart to be displayed with the portrait.

Bryars said in preparation for the ceremony Beveridge's original purple heart could not be found.

"It was through the hard work of Val and the other VFW members that a replacement Purple Heart was obtained," he said.

Unveiling the portrait were Beveridge's sister, Rose Beveridge-Smith, and daughter, Brucie Beveridge-Mancuso. The two were presented with a smaller version of the same portrait framed with a copy of the Open House invitation. Another one hangs in the entryway of the fire station.

Alabama State Fire Marshall Ed Paulk represented Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, bringing 25 years of experience in the fire marshall's office. Paulk was appointed fire marshall in April 2006.

Paulk told those gathered he began his career as a firefighter in Mobile, quickly befriending the firefighters and chiefs of Baldwin County, including former Bay Minette Fire Chief Phil Bryars Sr.

"I want to commend this area. Bay Minette has had a tremendous influence on Baldwin County, which is one of the most beautiful counties in our state," Paulk said. "I want to thank the men and women you just heard about who served our country."

Paulk also commended the city and fire chiefs for making the much-needed fire station a reality.

"They recognized the need for a facility like this to house and train the men and women who protect our lives," he said.

That training will reach much further than just those in Bay Minette, as the new state-of-the-art facility will also be utilized by the Alabama State Fire College.

"This facility is recognized and will be utilized by the Fire College," Paulk said. Paulk serves on the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards Commission.

Bryars praised the new building and those who made it possible, including the Bay Minette Volunteer Fire Department, which funded the project.

"I'm pleased with this beautiful old building. It will serve the City of Bay Minette for a long time, it will definitely outlast me," he said.

"It couldn't have been possible without people like Alan McDonald (volunteer fire chief), who was willing to stand up and step up to the plate. His department paid for this. They have made a long-time commitment to this city," Bryars said.

He said the volunteer firefighters are often overlooked despite the major contributions they make to the city.

"They don't get paid to do what they do," Bryars said. "If you see a volunteer, thank a volunteer. We appreciate everything you do."