Baldwin County awards deputy for role evacuating Beach Club residents during June fire

At a Baldwin County Commission meeting, the commission formally recognized Deputy Justin Beaulieu for his response to a structure fire at the Beach Club condominium in Fort Morgan on June 4, 2025. Chief Lee Steiner read a letter commending Beaulieu’s actions and presented an award of merit.

Chief Lee Steiner said in the written commendation that Deputy Beaulieu “responded to the scene and remained actively engaged until approximately 10 p.m., working alongside firefighters throughout the duration of the incident.” The letter said Beaulieu “played a critical role in assisting with evacuation of residents from all 17 floors of the building” and that he “made numerous trips up and down the stairwells to ensure individuals and their personal belongings were safely escorted.”

Sheriff [unnamed] told commissioners he was proud of the deputy and the cooperative relationship between the sheriff’s office and Fort Morgan volunteer fire personnel. Commissioner Paul and Commissioner Ball both offered public thanks to Beaulieu and to the county’s volunteer firefighters. The commission paused business for a brief presentation and photos with the deputy and his family.

Speakers also noted the county’s 2020 decision to fund a coastal enforcement program that places deputies in the Fort Morgan area, and recognized supervisors and deputies who participate in that program. The remarks emphasized the sheriff’s office and volunteer fire departments’ coordination in responding to emergencies at Fort Morgan, a community the speakers described as distant from other county resources.

The recognition was ceremonial; no formal county policy or budget action was taken at the meeting. The commission’s routine business continued after the presentation.