Brackenridge resident spearheads effort to rename borough street for Chief McIntire

The Brackenridge street where fallen police Chief Justin McIntire was killed could be renamed in his honor if a longtime resident has her way.

Family friend Debbie Beale is spearheading the effort to rename Third Avenue, where the 46-year-old chief grew up and also where he was killed during a Jan. 2 manhunt in which he was ambushed.

“That’s where his life was as a child,” Beale said. “He gave his life on that street. I know there will be plaques or other memorials, but I think that for the small town that we are, we should honor his existence in a permanent way.”

Beale intends to propose her idea formally to council during its meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb.2.

She is suggesting the street be called McIntire Way.

Mayor Lindsay Fraser said it is not likely that council would take action at that meeting. She believes there will be many opportunities to honor McIntire and said all of the ideas will be evaluated.

“Any action the council may take in that regard will be presented to the family for their approval,” Fraser said.

Beale, a former longtime Highlands School Board member, said she understands her proposal comes with a lot of responsibility for residents.

“It’s not just a matter of taking a sign down and slapping another one up,” she said. “There would be a lot of associated paperwork.”

Typically, street name changes require a majority approval by property owners.

Beale said many people have expressed their support, but she doesn’t expect residents to feel obligated.

She feels compelled to try because, she said, “(McIntire) was like one of our sons. He grew up with our kids. When you grow up in a town like Brackenridge, everyone plays with each other’s kids; you have to take all the little brothers and sisters with you everywhere you go.

“We all know each other. And, when something like this happens, it makes your head spin.”

If nothing else, perhaps council could narrow her request to impact only the block of Third Avenue where McIntire was raised, Beale said.

Or maybe his name could be added to the street sign as an honorary mention.

“There are many options, but I believe our borough needs to reflect what happened,” she said.