The Bruce Board of Aldermen unanimously voted Tuesday night to name the town’s police and fire department offices in memory of Stan Evans and John Edward Brasher.
The board passed resolutions honoring both men who died in the final two months of 2017 recognizing their years of service to the town within each department and beyond.
“We can’t replace Stan Evans, but we will attempt to improve our community and live our lives by the example he set,” said Rita Talford as she read the resolution honoring Evans out loud.
Stan Evans
The resolution noted Evans, who died Nov. 10, 2017 for his 12 years of service with the U.S. Marines, his 15 years of service with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department, and his 16 years with the Bruce Police Department, the last 10 of which as chief.
Evans was noted for his great sense of humor, contagious laugh and willingness to serve the community in ways that went unnoticed by many.
“Stan suffered much physical pain in his lifetime that none of us will ever fully comprehend, yet lived in such a manner he touched every single one of us with his great example of love and acceptance,” Talford said.
Brasher, who died Dec. 4, 2017, was remembered as someone who was devoted to First Baptist Church as a lifetime deacon, a leader for the disaster relief team, longtime local business owner, U.S. Army veteran, community volunteer, firemen for 45 years and Bruce Fire Chief for 25 years.
“This is extremely deserving for the both of them,” Alderman Steve Nelson said.
Mayor Rudy Pope said the town’s intention is to place their names above the current signs on the police and fire department building.
“I think that’s very appropriate,” Pope said.
John Edward Brasher
In other news, the board approved a resolution prepared by Three Rivers Planning and Development urging the Legislature to pass a law that allows the town to collect old fines owed through state income tax.
Mayor Pope explained the bill that the Legislature will consider would allow the state to get half of the $405,862 on the books in Bruce.
“I don’t like splitting it with the state,” Alderman Jimmy Hubbard said.
“But otherwise we likely get nothing,” Mayor Pope said.
The mayor voiced his frustrations that there is little the town can do to collect the old fines as recent law changes have prevented them from issuing new warrants for those who owe.
“People are still coming and paying some of the fines, but they’re adding up a lot faster than people are paying,” Pope said.
The supported bill failed to pass out of both legislative chambers last year.
Mayor Pope informed the board the last windstorm did a lot of shingle damage to City Hall. He said they are getting that repaired along with some additional painting.
“We need to look at getting the awning outside the board room replaced,” he said.
They agreed to look into it.
Other items approved by the board:
•For Police Chief Tony Sockwell to attend MACP New Chief Training Jan. 8-12.
•To pay police officer Thomas Sosa for his two weeks of vacation while he is on active duty with the National Guard. Sosa is expected to be deployed for a year and his wife is expecting a baby.
Clerk Rita Talford said they verified with the state that this could be done.
•Removed six guns from the fixed asset list. The police department traded them in on new guns from Tedford’s.
