Firehouse Dedication Draws Crowd of Supporters

When forecasts called for a blizzard in the St. Louis area on Feb. 1, the was prepared for the worst. Five trucks and 15 firefighters were ready to respond to the weather's wrath.

The department could keep an extended crew because the has enough space in the garage for multiple trucks and more than enough room in the living quarters for all of the firefighters. The old firehouse could only keep two trucks and was too cramped for that many firefighters, assistant fire chief Bob Kurtz said.

"Guys weren't running into each other," said Kurtz of the blizzard preparations. "Everything is so much bigger now."

The department welcomed the public during a dedication ceremony on Sunday afternoon. More than 125 residents, firefighters and supporters attended the event, which included a brief ceremony and tours of the new building.

Private Bob Carver spoke on behalf of the firefighters and thanked the city for its support.

"We spend a third of our lives in the firehouse. You provided us with a new home," he said.

The new living quarters looks like a mansion compared to the former building. It features several shared bedrooms and bathrooms, a living room with leather recliners and a TV, and a large kitchen and dining area.

The department's former bunkhouse was simply a large room with 21 beds and the bathroom had only a couple showers and toilets in an open room.

Fire Chief Bob Niemeyer was visibly emotional at the podium as he thanked everyone for the new building.

And while pointing to the line of standing firefighters, he told the crowd, "You've got the best there is."

The city also honored Deputy Chief Dave Berkel for 30 years of service during the event.