A celebration and dedication of the new Central Fire Station was hosted by the City of Brownwood and Brownwood Fire Department on Tuesday morning.

Despite the cool wind and threat of rain, nearly two hundred people including local dignitaries, as well as fire chiefs from surrounding areas, BFD retirees and citizens attended the ceremony, marking a new era for the department.  A flag raising ceremony, performed by the Heart of Texas Honor Guard, drummer and bagpipers, and a special uncoupling ceremony were also held.

Fire Chief Del Albright gave a brief history about the move to the new station, stating that the previous facility at 809 Main Street had served the department for 50 years and remarked how although the new Central Fire Station is very modern, the Brownwood Fire Department is rich with traditions and has carried that into not only the building’s design but also its contents.

“The station at 809 Main Street served the department for 50 years,” said Albright.  “I believe this new station will serve the city and meet the needs of the fire department so they may respond to the needs of the community for the next 50 years.”

Mayor Stephen Haynes stated that the previous station was dedicated when Truman Harlow began his first term as mayor of Brownwood.  He explained that firefighting has changed since the 1960s as firefighters now serve as first responders and even environmentalists as they clean up hazardous materials.  Mayor Haynes stated that the new fire station will “bring Brownwood and Brown County into the modern era of firefighting.”

This new station serves not only as a central fire station but houses fire administration, training facility, and the city and county emergency operations center with up-to-date technology.

“We hold the history of our department dear and sacred.  In designing this new facility we always remember where we came from and who we serve,” said Albright as he described the care taken in designing the exterior of the building to fit in with the historical surroundings, such as the Depot Civic and Cultural Center .  Beside the building, along the sidewalk is a historical display of fire hydrants used within the city that date back to 1877.  Inside the building, there are several historical photographs and record books that trace the history of the fire department.

“I could not be prouder of this new station and the members of this department,” said Albright.  “I can speak for the entire department as I say thank you to this community.  We stand ready to serve always.”

Local history experts Frank Hilton and Clay Riley of the Pecan Valley Genealogy Society presented a historical scrapbook to Albright and the department.  During the presentation, Hilton gave a brief history of the department, which dates back to 1884 when it was a volunteer department operating with just hose carts and a couple of horses.

Brownwood Professional Firefighter’s Association President Brent Bruton also spoke to those in attendance and thanked the City of Brownwood for providing the new facility and thanked citizens of Brownwood for being patient as the station was being built.  He stated that firefighters spend one-third of their lives at fire stations away from their family.

Those in attendance were then invited to tour the facility during an open house and to partake in a hamburger lunch provided by Allegiance Ambulance.

A special cornerstone will be laid by the Masonic Lodge on May 8th as the last finishing touch of the building.  The public is invited to attend.

Pictured above and below are photos of the event.