Owego Fire Department to host open house event

The Owego Fire Department (OFD) is hosting an open house event on Saturday, March 2, from 3 to 5 p.m. at their Central Fire Station on North Avenue in Owego. The public is invited to attend to view the current condition of the station, and its need for Village of Owego Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) funding for repairs. Light refreshments will be provided.

Built in 1911, Owego Central Fire Station is one of the most valuable and important buildings in the Village Historic District and is in dire need of repair. The last time the significant work took place on the building was in the early 1990s when the station was last restored. A significant investment of state and locals funds was made at that time.  

In 2017, through a Preserve New York Grant, a building condition report was completed by Crawford & Stearns / Architects and Preservation Planners, PLCC of Syracuse, N.Y. This report provides the framework for work needed on the station today.

Critical repairs include clock tower work; masonry work including re-pointing and repainting the station’s exterior; and roof replacement. These repairs are a priority. Other necessary work includes interior repairs; basement flood proofing; handicapped accessibility improvements and a new sign with repaving the parking lot. 

OFD through the Village of Owego has requested $400,000 of DRI funds to work on these needed repairs. The Village of Owego Board unanimously endorsed the project at their Dec. 17, 2018 board meeting. The public can show their support for the project by attending the open house and completing the online survey, located at www.surveymonkey.com/r/OwegoDRI.

The Central Fire Station Improvement project is Project #4E in the survey. The department asks the public to “strongly approve” the project that is key to its continuous operation.

The Owego Fire Department was founded in August 1828, after numerous fires plagued the Village of Owego. Incorporated by act of the State Legislature in April 1862 as The Fire Department of the Village of Owego, the department is comprised of five fire companies including Susquehanna Hose Co. #1, Wave Hose Co. #2, Croton Hose Co. #3, Hiawatha Engine Co. #4, and Ahwaga Ladder Co. #5. Four out of five of the companies are housed at Owego Central Fire Station.

Over 300 members comprise the Owego Fire Department in several capacities including fire and rescue services, emergency medical services, water rescue, fire police, and emergency support services.