Summit Hill Fire Dept. moving into new digs
Ron Gower/TIMES NEWS Members of the Summit Hill Fire Department, from left, Bob Henninger, chief engineer; Brandon Miller Jr., firefighter; Tyler Heffelfinger, junior firefighter; and Ronnie Yuricheck, captain; stand inside the new Summit Hill fire station. More than a year behind schedule, the firefighters finally were able to move some items into the station. They are hoping to move apparatus into the building within two-to-three weeks.
Finally, the members of the Diligence Fire Company of Summit Hill are moving into their new station.
The movement is only piecemeal at the present time, but within about two-to-three weeks, apparatus might be moved into the new structure.
This past weekend, volunteers emptied a pod that was storing various fire company items including trophies, records, and safety gear. They moved these items to a storage area inside the new fire station.
The fire station is part of a $3.5 million building project of which construction began in early 2008 and included a new fire station, borough hall, and police station. It also involved the demolition of the former borough hall and fire station.
The new borough hall was completed in the summer of 2008.
Initially it was scheduled for the fire station to be completed in December 2008, but various problems arose, including cracks in the floor and heating and air conditioning setbacks.
A new floor has been installed and the apparatus of the fire department is expected to be moved onto it after final testing occurs.
The Summit Hill Borough Council earlier this month said it will accept a tentative occupancy permit following the flooring tests.
At that council meeting, Council President Joe Weber told firefighters, "As a whole, we're happy ... that we will have occupancy for you."
Initially the borough council refused to allow occupancy until all problems involving the construction were resolved. However, the heating and air conditioning deficiencies could possibly result in long-term legal action.
Firefighters said this weekend they were happy to be moving into the new quarters, noting that not only were items stored in a pod but in several other locations within the borough, including the American Legion Post.
The fire trucks are being housed in the borough garage.
Meanwhile, the firefighters are also getting ready for their annual fund drive, which should occur within several weeks.
