Community Welcomes New Fire Station
Friday, April 24th, 2009
On April 19, I joined friends, neighbors and community leaders attending the dedication of the new West Friendship Volunteer Fire Station 3 at 12535 Old Frederick Road/Route 99 (which, for those using mapping software, is technically part of Sykesville). This station replaces the approximately 60-year old Frederick Road/Route 144 building with a roomy, modern, environmentally friendly facility. The location also allows better access to the Station 3 service area.
Initially, I worried about parking since I arrived a tad late, but St. James United Methodist Church graciously offered its lot for overflow parking, and volunteers shuttled guests to and from the station.
The weather cooperated by staying warm and dry during the event, thus enhancing a well-organized afternoon. The event also provided plenty of welcoming, small-town charm.
After the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, the station opened its doors to the public for an open house. I would like to thank Evan Sanna, a volunteer firefighter and EMT-in-training, for allowing me to tag along while he gave his mother, Dianne, a tour of the new station.
Evan is a senior at Glenelg High School and began serving with the WFVFD in January 2008. Since I have a lousy sense of direction, he saved me from lots of back-tracking and aimless wandering and helped explain everything I saw.
In addition to the expected equipment lockers and vehicle bays, I viewed an impressive new kitchen and dining area (click on the photo for a better view), a deck — complete with barbecue grills — overlooking Route 32, a weight room and TV room, private sleeping quarters, laundry and uniform storage rooms, and many fine offices, plus a classroom and a conference room.
My one-word description of the new station would be “handsome,” from the striking wood furniture and eye-catching display cases to the quarry tile floors and brand-new carpeting.
Congratulations, WFVFD, on your terrific new “digs!” You selflessly serve our community every day and night and represent the best part of this new state-of-the-art facility!