It was a long time coming, but Cumberland officially opened its new fire hall Saturday morning.
During an open house at the new facility on Cumberland Road, Mayor Leslie Baird joined Fire Chief Mike Williamson to cut the ribbon before opening the doors for tours of the $4.2 million facility.
RELATED STORY: Construction begins on new Cumberland fire hall
The mayor outlined the long history of the fire department dating back to the early days of the community.
“We are celebrating over 125 years of service,” she said.
Williamson focused on the long-term process toward discussion of the need for a new hall, getting support from council, finding land for the project and getting voter approval to borrow for the project.
“It’s been a really long go to where we are today,” Williamson said.
The new site includes plenty of space for trucks and other equipment, an emergency operations centre, facilities for showering and recreation, storage and office space.
One of the special features is a museum with old fire trucks, hoses, nozzles, pictures and other memorabilia dating back to the early years of the department.
“This is my favourite part of the fire hall,” Williamson said.
(Be sure to check out the Record’s special salute to firefighters and emergency services personnel to read more on the new fire hall and other stories in the Oct. 6 edition of the newspaper. NOTE: This has been edited to include the correct date.)
mike.chouinard@comoxvalleyrecord.com
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