MOOSIC, Pa. — As ground is broken in Moosic, it's much more than just the start of a new building. It brings together first responders under one roof.
"Growing up, we all grew up together. It was like an incubator if you will, that spawned firemen and policemen throughout the town," said Chief Rick Janesko of the Moosic Police Department.
The building along Birney Avenue will house both the fire and police departments. It's a major improvement for the firefighters who put their lives on the line every day.
"They're all volunteers. They come out on their own time; they service the trucks. They do everything here. All by themselves and they don't get paid a penny for it," said Greenwood Fire Department Administrative President, Joseph Gandara.
Moosic Police currently call the top of Ronnie V's Auto Body shop along Route 502, home. The department moved there, after the officers were forced from their old headquarters due to mold and other issues in 2022.
"The place we were in was outdated, the place we're currently in, is on the second floor. Parking is minimal and it's just a little hiccup to do our job on a daily basis," said Janesko.
The police are looking forward to their new home and new roommates.
"We're still on honeymoon, we'll see how it goes," laughs Janesko.
All jokes aside, both departments say it's going to be a good thing for the entire community.
"It means a great deal for the community. It gives us a better response time. It'll be safer for our members. Because at our old building, we have to have our members stand out on the streets to stop traffic. But it's going to be a great thing for the community itself," said Gandara.
There's no timeline for when the new headquarters is expected to be up and running in Moosic.