Firemen dedicate donated lighthouse in memory of late firefighter Brinson

It’s been more than two years since fire engines and tankers from volunteer fire departments throughout Pamlico County led the funeral procession for Rufus Brinson.

Brinson was a respected volunteer and fire educator as director of the fire training school at Pamlico Community College.

His coffin rode atop the Reelsboro fire truck to the cemetery.

Last week, his home department in Reelsboro, remembered him again, dedicating a donated 9-foot custom lighthouse in his honor. It joins a lighted flag pole with a base monument plaque dedicated to Brinson, both located just outside the front door of the fire house.

“The lighthouse has always been a beacon to mariners,” said Chief Dwayne Croom. “The light on this lighthouse will shine at night. When our folks leave on a call, it will serve as a guiding light for their safe return.”

The aluminum and wood lighthouse was a gift to the fire department by Alberto and Christina Suarez, who own Custom Design Lighthouses

“We dedicate this to Rufus,” Croom added. “He was a backbone builder of this department. We dedicate it to him, to be the best we can be and to remember that we are a team.”

The department was established with a United States Department of Agriculture loan in the early 1990s and these days Croom said membership is strong, with more than 25 members.

Last year, the department refinanced a long-term loan with a local bank to include the building and a new fire truck, a deal which Croom attributed to the leadership of former Chief Lance Hemby. With a better interest rate and a larger payment, the department should be debt-free in 15 years.

The dedication ceremony drew other local firemen, including two fire trucks from Arapahoe, Reelsboro residents, and Brinson’s widow, Anna.

The Rev. Scott Fitzgerald of Bayboro Baptist Church talked about the custom-painted lighthouse, with a fire dog at the base, flames lapping upward at the top light, and a stream of fire hose water signifying the extinguishing of the flames.

Charlie Hall can be reached at 252-635-5667 or chall@freedomenc.com.