The Maplesville Fire Department held a special ceremony Saturday night to dedicate Engine No. 52 to Perrin Mims in honor of her father and former Chilton County Commissioner Tim Mims.

“Tim was instrumental in helping build this fire department and acquire this fire truck,” Kenny Barrett with Maplesville Fire Department said.

Members of the fire department decided to dedicate the truck to Perrin Mims, who volunteers with the fire department.

“We thought this would be a special way to honor Tim and do something nice for Perrin,” Barrett said.

The group surprised Perrin, 23, Saturday night with a gold plaque placed on the truck that states the plaque is dedicated “in memory of Tim Mims for outstanding support for Maplesville Volunteer Fire Department Dec. 14, 2013.”

Perrin said she was honored to have the truck dedicated in her father’s memory and knows her dad would be proud.

“I know if he were here right now he would be smiling,” Perrin said. “He was always very supportive of this fire department and even though he worried about me working at the fire department and asked everyone to take care of his baby girl, I know this would mean a lot to him.”

The Maplesville Fire Department was built Oct. 29, 1993, when Tim Mims was serving as the mayor of Maplesville.

The fire truck was then purchased in 1993 when Perrin was 3 years old.

“This is a wonderful gift and it means a lot to me,” Perrin said.

Perrin said Mims always did his best to spoil her and her brother T.R.

“I am spoiled rotten to the core,” Perrin said. “Daddy always tried to make sure we had everything we wanted. I am grateful for everything he has ever done for me. He pushed me through school and has always been proud of me. He always told me to keep up the good work.”

Perrin said she wanted to thank everyone for the prayers and support her family has received since her father passed away from a battle with cancer in early November.

“Everyone has been so nice and supportive to us during this time,” Perrin said. “We appreciate the calls, prayers and love everyone has shown.”