HOLDEN, Maine — Local officials will break ground Monday on an addition and renovations to the town’s fire station that aim to expand work and storage space and improve living quarters for firefighters.
Among other things, the project will result in three new bays for vehicles, new bunk rooms and living quarters at the back of the bays, a hose tower and improvements to existing bays for a gear room and duty office, Town Manager Benjamin Breadmore said recently.
“This project will allow for our department to have a safer and healthier working environment,” said Breadmore, whose first official day as Holden’s town manager was Nov. 3.
“The existing quarters have been utilized since the 1970s, when the [fire] department was strictly volunteer,” he said.
“Over the years, the department has grown in size and grown in its abilities to serve the community. Currently, the town of Holden offers 24-hour coverage to its residents and participates in mutual aid coverage with many surrounding communities,” he added.
The groundbreaking ceremony is set for 10 a.m. Monday and the public is invited, Breadmore said.
According to Breadmore, town councilors voted last month to approve the project, designed by Holden architect Dave Merritt, and to award the construction bid to Aaron Newcomb Building Construction Inc. of Holden.
The company submitted a bid of $405,531 for the main part of the project. Council members also approved a bid option that will provide for a hose tower and dormer for an additional $12,132, he said.
In the most recent issue of Holden Happenings, the town’s quarterly newsletter, Council Chairman Bob Harvey noted the project will move the fire department’s living quarters out of the town office basement, prevent harmful fumes from getting into the building and provide firefighters a safer and healthier living and working environment.
Harvey also pointed out the town doesn’t have enough bays for all of its fire department vehicles.
Harvey said the basement space now occupied by the fire department could be used as an emergency operations center, fire storage space or a break room for town office staff.