MESHOPPEN, Pa. — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Sunday afternoon in Wyoming County. First responders are showing off the Meshoppen Volunteer Fire Department's brand new fire station
"Being 20-plus years coming, it's kind of like opening a big Christmas present," said fire department president Travis Provost.
"We've had some interim buildings between in and now, but our total goal is where we're at today. So it took us about 20 years to get here, and we're excited to finally be here," said Chief Chris Carney.
The new station makes a tough job easier for firefighters and EMTs.
"We don't have to double stack trucks. We can work around the entire truck. And the old station, we couldn't get up on top of the trucks without taking them outside and everything. So it's very handy and makes us a bigger asset for us now," Provost said.
"Ambulance is the busiest piece of our department, right? So they do 1200 runs a year. They cover three counties over eight municipalities, right? So they run nonstop. So this building allowed them to have upgraded facilities for our EMS crew that are stationed here 24/7," said Chief Carney.
It was all made possible thanks to the generosity of the community.
"Tons and tons of community support, right? So that's the biggest piece, and then fundraising amongst our members, right? So we've been saving for many, many, many years to get where we're at today. This building Project. In total, was $1.1 million. We were able to fund 60% of that community efforts of fundraising efforts and only had to borrow 40% of this," said Chief Carney.
The Meshoppen Volunteer Fire Department hoped to raise a third of the money needed for the building but, thanks to donations, was able to double that.