Easton Boy Scout To Give Fire Station Grounds a Makeover

A local boy scout is hoping to dramatically improve the aesthetics of one of Easton's fire stations - and he is hoping the community can help with the cause.

Joseph Abate, of troop 193 entering his senior year at Oliver Ames High School, is upgrading the front entrance of the (Station 3) with a repaired flag pole, brick patio and a garden.

For the patio, he is selling engraved bricks for $100 to help with the cost.

"[Boy Scouts] love to give back to the community – especially the fire station that has given so much to us," he said. "They protect us from fires. A wild fire happened down the street from me recently and I got to see it in action. People say 'thank you' but don’t seem to notice every little guy that’s involved – just the station itself. I think it’s just a great way to give back."

The idea came about after Todd Sandstrum, the president of the and member of the Easton Agricultural Commission approached Abate's troop about community service projects at the station.

Upon the hiring of Fire Chief Kevin Partridge over the winter, the new chief suggested upgrades to the front entrance.

Abate has already started the project, fixing what had been a tilted flag pole with chipped paint. His next endeavor is to use the pole as a center-piece and build around it.

A square brick patio will be built with the symbol for firefighters, a maltese cross, in the center. Abate plans to remove the bushes currently lining the front walkway and replace it with a garden.

He said that with the help of his fellow Boy Scouts, the project should take him until the end of the summer.

The bricks that make up the cross will be sold for $100. Those who buy a brick will have an option to engrave it however they choose. The bricks have three lines and 19 characters per line.

He is hoping to solicit donations by July 31.

To reach Abate and purchase a brick, call 508-965-2594 or email him at JosephAbate@verizon.net