The Newark Valley Fire District, located at 7151 Rte. 38 in Newark Valley, N.Y., rings in 2017 with a newly remodeled fire station and community building. Pictured are fire trucks facing towards the three new rear doors, along with a better open area for firefighters to grab gear and go. (Photos by JoAnn R. Walter)
The Newark Valley Fire District, located at 7151 Rte. 38 in Newark Valley, N.Y., rings in 2017 with a newly remodeled fire station and community building. A planning process that started five years ago has come to fruition, and at the first re-opening event on Dec. 17 the department and auxiliary welcomed children and the public to have breakfast with Santa, while two other events were also held last month.
Inspired to transform a dated facility from 1983, fire commissioners met with fire and auxiliary members and the community to source needs and develop a plan. When an initial cost estimate was deemed too high, the groups came back to the table to discuss priorities to assure all needs were met. Further evaluation of bids and finances, with a focus on minimizing taxpayer impact resulted in a public vote that favored a $900,000 referendum. A five year journey was realized when renovations began last summer.
Pictured is the newly renovated kitchen at the Newark Valley fire station, which includes new refrigerators and freezers, Corian countertops and custom-built cabinets. Stainless steel sinks and a dishwasher were not replaced and considered fine for continued use.
“We finally have a facility that not only fits the needs of the fire department, but also gives the community a place to hold events,= and in case of an emergency, has the capacity to house many people,” commented resident and historical society member, Marcia Kiechle.
Mayor Jim Tornatore added, “Our Fire Commissioners have wisely utilized existing dollars, and the re-opening represents improved operation; our safety is based on the readiness of volunteers along with the equipment, buildings and vehicles supplied. Our close-knit community will benefit from the impressive new community room. Thanks to the commissioners, auxiliary and firefighters.”
A major portion of the renovations focused on the expansion of the fire truck bays and the community room and kitchen, with a desire to modernize combined with cost saving measures.
Pictured is the spacious and impressive community room at the Newark Valley fire station, which will be used for emergency purposes and special events.
The community room, which can occupy upwards of 350 without tables and chair, and 166 with the tables and chairs, will provide access for residents in case of future emergencies, and can be used for special events. Ample space is available to store tables and chairs within the main room, and left on the to-do list is the hanging of folding doors to hide the storage area.
In the kitchen, existing stainless steel sinks and a dishwasher were considered in good condition and reused, while new refrigerators and freezers were purchased and Corian countertops and custom-built cabinets were installed.
On the fire department side, the expansion includes the addition of three rear bay doors, a dedicated room for training, a state-of-the-art exhaust removal system designed for quick emergency exits, an infrared system, more storage for equipment and an open access area for firefighters to grab gear and go.
Pictured is a special custom-made emblem, all hand-cut to fit within the flooring of the new training room at the Newark Valley fire station.
In addition, a large capacity generator now supplies the entire building, a brand new septic system was installed and LED lighting was added for energy efficiency and cost savings. The radio room saw fresh paint, the auxiliary now has a dedicated area, and showers were added in both bathrooms, along with a baby-changing station in the men’s room, among other positive changes.
Fire Commissioner and Fire Police Captain Jim VanNordstrand commented, “The building is way beyond expectations. The commissioners and department are a cohesive group; everyone had input. The community worked together to make it happen.”
VanNordstrand also credits several local contractors for their work on the project, and all renovations meet modern code requirements and are ADA compliant.
Providing fire and emergency services to the residents of the Newark Valley Fire District, committed volunteers respond to approximately 150 calls per year within a 60 square mile area that includes the Town and Village of Newark Valley, as well as a portion of the Town of Owego.
For information or to inquire about volunteering, find the Newark Valley Fire Department on Facebook, visit their website at newarkvalleyfire.com, or call (607) 642-9555.
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