Fire Rescue News - NEW FIRE STATION CLOSE TO BEING COMPLETED
Egg Harbor Twp.-- The Township's newest fire station is starting to really take shape. NBC 40 got an inside look at the new facility that officials say is desperately needed and explain why the project is very special to those building it.
The work being done inside Bargaintown's new fire station is music to.....Continue Reading
chief Bob Dube's ears. "It's a nice feeling," said the Chief, smiling, "nice warm feeling."
Like an expecting father, the chief is constantly stopping by, "2-3 times a day, sometimes 4," he admitted, to check out the progress on what has really been his baby. "It won't be much longer now, just a matter of weeks."
The new building has been a long time coming for members of the volunteer fire company, who continued to work in the old building on the site for years, even after it was badly damaged in a 2007 electrical fire. "This is our house, this is our second home," said Dube, "and when you lose a piece of your property, your home like that, I can't describe the feeling inside, it's like someone just ripped your heart out."
But after breaking ground on the project in March, and seeing the building take shape, both the chief and members of the department have a renewed sense of spirit. "The attitudes, the morale is boosted up 200-300%," said the chief.
The department here was originally founded in 1932 with the help of Tony Canale, a man who dedicated most of his life to public safety in Atlantic County, and actually helped build the original station on Mill Road. Now, more than half a century later, his grandson and great grandsons are helping build the new facility. "It really makes it extra special," said Anthony Biggs, with Biggs Brothers Construction, who is Canale's grandson, "I'm sure he'd be proud and happy to see it being modernized and able to handle what they need."
The chief says the new bigger and better building will house four of their vehicles and will allow them to respond to fires faster. "Response time will be quick again, instead of 6 minutes, 7 minutes, it'll be 2-3 minutes," said Dube, "like it's supposed to be." Allowing them to better serve the community they've sworn to help protect.
Officials hope the new facility will be finished by mid-September and hope to have an open house and dedication in October.
The department will be holding a beef and beer to help raise money for the project, August 20th from 4-8pm at the Pleasantville Yacht Club.
