West Middletown fire department to build new home
Scrubbed of most identifying markers is the old fire hall in the middle of West Middletown. The department expects to move into its new building by 2017.
The site of the future home of West Middletown Volunteer Fire Department, across from the borough’s cemetery.
WEST MIDDLETOWN – West Middletown volunteer firefighters are benefitting from volunteerism and donations of others as the department moves down the street to a new building now being constructed.
Chief Kenneth McDougan said the cramped space at the outdated fire hall in the middle of the borough is forcing the department down the street to 4799 Jefferson Ave.
McDougan said he has modest expectations to be moved in before 2017, but piecing together the donations from anonymous benefactors will take some time.
“The parcel of land by the cemetery was donated, and the prefabricated steel building shell was donated, too. We’re still doing dirt moving and pre-construction work, but we’re ready to move once it’s all finished,” McDougan said. “All this work and services provided by donors, they don’t want any of the limelight … We’re really thankful.”
The 23-member volunteer force has three vehicles and responds to an average of 14 fire calls a month.
“We’re also benefitting from the work of eight iron workers who are volunteering their labor to raise the building,” McDougan said.
Further donations of materials, services and cash can be sent to the fire department, P.O. Box 97, West Middletown, PA 15379.