Fire Rescue News - EHT FIREHOUSE FINALLY TORN DOWN AFTER SERVING THE COMMUNITY
EGG HARBOR TWP--It's been through a tornado and electrical fire, but one Bargaintown Volunteer fire station was no match for the wrecking crew. The fire chief chose to raze the structure after.....Continue Reading
black mold was discovered inside.
BOB DUBE/CHIEF BARGAINTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY:
"It's kind of a sad and happy day. This building has a lot of memories,"
MICHAEL OTAEGUI/PRESIDENT BARGAINTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY:
"This has been going on for three years now…when we had the fire and it's been a long process. It's a relief almost so we can get something going on."
DOLLY DUBE/LADIES AUXILARY:
"A lot of mixed emotions. This firehouse has been a part of my life since I was a child. My grandfather, uncles and several family members that were living here on Mill Road that put in a lot of hours, dedication, and not just fighting fires but building this establishment. I took a red brick to put in my flowerbed and I'll always have a part of this existing building. And I took one for mother and one for my grandfather."
BOB DUBE:
"This is the beginning. We are going to be rebuilding within the next 4 to 6 weeks. We are going to be starting construction here. Bargaintown is going to have a new firehouse hopefully in April."
OTAEGUI DUBE:
"Volunteer firefighters makeup most of the fire service in America. Without these men and women who volunteer their time…we wouldn't be able to help people in the community."
BOB DUBE:
"It's very important to see community support. We are volunteers we do not collect one dime, not even a penny. The township gives us $30,000 dollars a year. Out of that $30,000 dollars a year goes to building maintenance and equipment. To gear up one of these firefighters is $8,200 dollars. That [money] doesn't go far."
BOB DUBE:
"I want to thank the residents of Egg Harbor Township. When we do our fund drives and our coin drops they've been very, very generous through these hard times. If it wasn't for the people of EHT, Bargaintown we wouldn't be doing what we are doing now. So I want to say thank you on behalf of the Bargaintown Volunteer Fire Company."
With continued community support, the fire chief is optimistic that station number on will be up and operational next spring.
For more information or to see how you can help check out their website: BARGAINTOWN VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY
