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During his time leading the City of LaGrange, former councilman Bobby Traylor was always a champion of public safety. 

On Tuesday, Fire Station #4 was renamed Bobby A. Traylor Fire Station in his honor.

The ceremony was a complete surprise to Traylor, who was told to attend the ceremony as a ribbon-cutting. As a longtime LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce diplomat, Traylor was no stranger to ribbon-cutting ceremonies. And it wasn’t a lie; they did end up cutting a ribbon – just for the new sign at the fire station bearing his name.

The ceremony was attended by countless friends, family members and local officials that worked with Traylor over the years including LaGrange Mayor Jim Arrington who read a proclamation honoring the former councilman.

“Traylor was a true public servant. He believed in service, in community and in supporting those who protect us every day during his 20 years of representing District 1 on the LaGrange City Council,” Arrington said. “ Traylor was one of the fire department’s greatest champions. His commitment to public safety helped ensure that our firefighters had the resources they needed to do their job well and to do it safely.”

“We gather not just to recognize his name, but to honor his legacy, and what better way to do that than by dedicating this station as a symbol of protection, bravery and service in his honor,” Arrington said.

Traylor was born and raised in LaGrange. Following his graduation from LaGrange High School in 1955, Traylor served in the United States Coast Guard until 1959. After returning home to LaGrange, Traylor helped run his family’s business, Traylor Cafe before founding Traylor Pawn & Jewelry in 1971.

Over the years, Bobby became a familiar and trusted figure in LaGrange, being elected to the City Council in 1996. He served nearly two decades with distinction, contributing to countless projects that strengthened the city. 

Traylor is a longtime member of First Baptist Church on the Square and the Chamber of Commerce.

“Bobby’s passion for LaGrange and his people were evident in all that he did. His legacy of compassion, leadership and service lives on in the city he so deeply cherishes,” said LaGrange Fire Chief Willie Bradfield.

One notable person missing from the event was former councilman and longtime friend of Traylor, Nick Woodson, who passed away on Friday. Traylor said he and Woodson were big supporters of the Chamber of Commerce during their time on the council.

“We made as many ribbon cuttings as we could. We dedicated ourselves to show [that] the new businesses of LaGrange were a place to be,” Traylor said. “I just thank Nick for his service.”

Traylor said while he was on the council he fought for police officers and firefighters.

“While I was on the city council, the mayor and Chief Dekmar wanted to take-home cars [for officers],” Traylor said. “Four of the city council said that could be a liability and more expense. And we kept pushing. We had a round-table discussion one day before the meeting, and I said, if you have police cars in those communities, it is safety for everybody around them. We pushed and pushed, and finally convinced the other council members, and we brought it up to let police take home cars. It was the best move we ever made, because it shows the police in the community.”

“I served two terms as Chairman of Public Safety. That means everything for LaGrange. Right now, the police department is doing a great job of combating crime and showing presence,” Traylor said.

Traylor said naming the fire station was an unbelievable honor, thanking everyone in attendance.

“I thank all my family and friends for being here, and let’s support the fire department and the police department every way we can. They are the ones that keep us safe,” Traylor said.