South Trail station’s renovation complete

The renovation of the South Trail Fire & Rescue Station 1 is complete and drivers on Crystal Drive are taking notice of the building that was once unsightly.

Firefighters and emergency personnel will be opening the station to the public on Jan. 5, 2008 at a ribbon cutting to celebrate the project’s completion.

“It was a challenge because we kept the station operational during the remodel but we were able to do it all,” said Donnie Laubheimer, the project manager of the remodel that took almost 8 months to complete. “That’s our busiest station and that was another issue but it all worked out.”

Completing the project meant turning a 1966 gas station that was overhauled in 1985 into a functional 2008 fire station complete with living quarters, parking spaces and a new community educational facility.

'It was challenging at best to get a nice plan that would allow us additional space and make a difference for our staff,” said Fire Chief William Lombardo about the project that includes 10 beds, a new truck bay and a workout room. “The new plan opened up some window space and now it’s not dark and dingy anymore.”

The $1.4 million project was paid for in a joint venture between the Fire Rescue department and Emergency Management Services who will also be housed at the station.

“It’s an asset to the community and now the appearance is what it should be after 30 years of service,” said Laubheimer, about the 5,530 square foot building. “It’s amazing to look at the old picture and see the transformation now.”

The transformation of the building also gave the department an opportunity to purchase an additional rescue truck and eventually add more staffing.

“We can provide a better service because when one engine is on call, another one is ready,” said Lombardo about the department that serves 60,000 residents district wide. “It’s really nice for our people to have a new facility because they service a very populous area.”