More than 60 people attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, June 10. The station went into service on Feb. 24. It is the town’s first new station since 1961 and meets a critical need for timely emergency response to North Acton.
The new station supports 21st-century fire service, and includes numerous features to ensure the safety and well-being of first responders.
“This station has been discussed and anticipated for more than 50 years,” Town Manager Mangiaratti said. He said a strong team of town employees including Chief Hart, Public Facilities Director Andrea Ristine, Collector/Deputy Treasurer Theresa O’Leary and others worked with the construction team – designers Kaestle Boos Associates Inc., general contractors Hutter Construction Corp., and Owner’s Project Manager PMA Consultants, and Select Energy – to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain challenges to deliver a state-of-the-art facility.
Select Board Chair Dean Charter recognized former Select Board member Joan Gardner, who supported the first proposed site for a fire station in the late 1970s and voted again to support station construction upon her return to the board several years ago.
“The Fire Department is an integral part of our town. They no longer are a volunteer force that responds to fire whistles,” Charter added. “We now have a 100 percent professional force, trained and equipped to modern standards. At its core, our Fire Department represents the heart of our community.”
Chief Hart also thanked those who worked toward approval and completion of the new station. He highlighted the building’s geothermal heating and cooling, and solar roof array. He added that the needs of first responders were always at the front of all decisions.
“These guys are there for you, so they are at the top of the list,” Chief Hart said. “We wanted to create a great workplace, but also a great home away from home. Twenty-four hours is a long shift.”
State Sen. James Eldridge, an Acton native, said the station fills a critical need. “For anyone that has had a fire or a health care emergency, we all know that a response of three, four, or five minutes can make the difference in a life being saved, or a home being saved,” Sen. Eldridge said.
State Rep. Danillo Sena recognized the town’s elected officials and volunteers for their hard work. “Thank you to the town,” he said. “This is about safety, and quality of life.”
Also attending the ceremony were Select Board members Fran Arsenault, David Martin, and Jim Snyder-Grant; former Select Board members Gardner, Peter Berry, Jon Benson, Lauren Rosenzweig Morton, and Franny Osman; and representatives of numerous Town departments.
Attendees signed a poster board that will be included in a time capsule, which will be reopened in 50 years. Attendees also toured the main station bay, sleeping quarters, health center, kitchen and lounge, and modern laundry designed to decontaminate equipment.
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