Grand Opening: Newton Fire Department Headquarters

NEWTON, MA — It was one of the buildings slated for upgrades in the 2013 override. But Newton officials have been talking about this even before that was secured. Now, years later the Newton Fire Department's head quarters has reopened with new technology and more space and one of the most modern Emergency Operation Centers in the state, according to Fire Chief Bruce Proia.

"It's unbelievable," said Al Farrera, 95-year-old retired firefighter who was on hand at the grand opening ceremony Thursday.

Outgoing Mayor Setti Warren told a packed Station 3, full of firefighters, city councilors, and retired firefighters that emergency response was one of his top priorities when he came into office in 2010. It was a tour of the fire houses as a candidate that sealed the deal.

"This represents a landmark moment in our city's history. We are able to ensure that we have unparalleled public safety in the City of Newton... for generations to come," he said calling the completion of the project among his greatest accomplishments as mayor.

The headquarters and the station are now attached and the fire prevention office, which used to be in the basement of the old building now has a proper office area complete with conference tables with which to spread out.

The site is also the location of a state-of-the art emergency command operation center, in the event of a serious emergency in the city or region. It is equipped with 36 stadium style seats with monitors. Small bedrooms are attached to the room, in the event team members have to stay the night during an emergency.

The fire house has a number of training elements built in, an extra bay door and a full gym and decontamination area for equipment.

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Photos by Jenna Fisher/Patch