The Little Meadows Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Squad held a grand opening celebration for its new fire station, which included a parade, on May 1. (Photos by JoAnn R. Walter)
One of the Little Meadows fire trucks leads the parade on May 1.
A Little Meadows fire truck travels along the parade route on May 1.
Antique cars travel along the parade route on May 1.
Members of the Community Independent Bible Church, located in Little Meadows, Pa., march in the parade on May 1.
Several fire departments from northeast Pennsylvania and the southern tier of New York participated in the parade on May 1.
A float constructed by members of the Little Meadows United Methodist Church was part of the parade on May 1.
Guests gather near the new Little Meadows fire station on May 1 prior to the dedication and ribbon cutting.
A new flag at the Little Meadows fire station was dedicated in memory of former fire chief, Chuck “Chip” Barnum.
Members of the Little Meadows fire company raise the new flag on May 1.
Guests pause to salute and place hands on their hearts during the flag dedication ceremony.
Pastor Paul Reed of the Little Meadows United Methodist Church shares a blessing at the grand opening celebration held on May 1.
From left is Amy Gilbert and others from Talisman Energy, a Repsol-owned company, who unveiled a plaque recognizing the role of the community and the company in building the new station.
Building committee members and others involved in the construction of the new Little Meadows fire station are recognized at a grand opening celebration on May 1.
Founding members who are also brothers, and the only living original members of the Little Meadows volunteer fire company, attended the grand opening celebration on May 1. From left, Paul Hastings, age 93, and Robert Hastings, age 88, prepare to cut the ribbon at the ceremony.
Founding members of the Little Meadows volunteer fire company, and others, cut the ribbon at the ceremony on May 1.
All three garage entrances were raised at the new Little Meadows fire station on May 1 for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Children and other guests enjoy a puppet show inside the new Little Meadows fire station hall on May 1.
Pictured is the new Little Meadows fire station. A grand opening celebration was held on May 1.
The Little Meadows Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Squad held a grand opening for its new fire station on May 1. The grand opening included a parade, a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony, a picnic lunch and activities. Guests were also able to tour the new facility.
The one-plus mile parade route traveled south on Penn Avenue/Route 858 and included several fire departments from across northeast Pennsylvania and the southern tier of New York, as well as floats designed by local businesses and community groups.
Representatives from Talisman Energy, a Repsol-owned company, served as the parade Grand Marshals. The company’s donation of $350,000 provided needed support to build the station, and the remainder of the $875,000 project came from fire department and rescue squad funds, natural gas impact fees given by local municipalities, donations from local businesses and community members, and a bank loan.
The dedication of the flag pole honored former fire chief Chuck “Chip” Barnum who passed away in 2014, and the unveiling of the Repsol plaque recognized both the community and company’s role in building the new station.
At the grand opening ceremony, members of the building committee were also recognized for their efforts. The building was constructed by JAH Construction of Johnson City, N.Y.
The new station features a six-vehicle bay and extra space for other equipment needs, as well as office areas, and a multi-purpose room for training, meetings, events and emergency needs. The entire building is more energy efficient and is also compliant with ADA requirements. Two separate driveway entrances/exits and ample parking are on-site, and the new fire station also has room to expand if necessary.
Unfortunately, the windy weather did not support the Guthrie helicopter to fly in for the grand opening, although the rain stopped in time for the parade and other festivities.
Fire company president, Mary Shaughnessy, was pleased to see a large community turnout, and shared, “A little rain doesn’t matter today, we’re just happy to celebrate our new fire station.”
