Council approves naming public-safety training tower the DeVault Tower after $900,000 bequest

The Marion City Council voted April 23 to name the Marion Public Safety Training Center tower the DeVault Tower, honoring Don and Mary Ruth DeVault for decades of volunteer service and a substantial bequest that funded the training center.

At the public hearing, the fire chief described the DeVaults' legacy: Don served Marion as a volunteer firefighter for nearly 58 years and spent additional years as a police volunteer; the couple left $900,000 to the Marion Firefighters Association, which staff said grew through careful investment to about $1,300,000 and helped seed the public-safety training center near completion this spring. The chief told council he proposed the tower name per city policy and that a 30-day review period had concluded.

John Madland, who identified himself as a friend and executor for the DeVaults, told the council he was proud to see their gift memorialized and thanked fire leadership for managing the funds responsibly. Staff reported receiving one email in advance supporting the proposed name.

A council member moved to approve resolution 32820 to name the tower the DeVault Tower; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Council members asked about an opening date for public visits; the chief said staff expects a ribbon cutting by the end of spring pending final monument and electrical work.

Why it matters: The naming recognizes a long-term volunteer legacy and documents use of a private bequest that materially supported a public facility used by Marion and regional public-safety departments.

Next steps: Staff will finalize monument and electrical work and schedule a ribbon-cutting once construction elements are complete.