Long-Awaited Fire Station Finally Comes To Lake Shore

The Empire State Building was constructed in one year and 45 days. Mall of America took about three years to complete.

Members of Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company waited roughly six years to get their new home: a $6.8 million station that spans more than 12,000 square feet at 4642 Mountain Road, near Galilee Lutheran Church.

According to Matt Diehl, a spokesman for the Department of Public Works, some delays were incurred due to weather, to mitigate excessive moisture in the concrete slab for carpet installation, and delivery of required fire station equipment and infrastructure.

During a dedication service on July 31, County Executive Steve Schuh joked about the station’s delayed construction.

“I started thinking about how long this project has been going on,” Schuh said. “It’s taken three county executives, at least six delegates, one senator, two fire chiefs … so it’s amazing how it’s moved along. This is a much-needed asset, so we’re delighted to be able to bring it into service.”

Some of Lake Shore VFC’s 16 career personnel and many volunteers moved into the station on a Sunday, and the public ceremony was held the following Tuesday.

Lake Shore VFC Chief Tim Hall said the building was sorely needed.

“The old station was outdated,” Hall said. “We had old equipment, the floor is collapsing, the walls are old. There wasn’t enough space for all of the equipment.”

The new facility replaces one built in the 1940s, a history Hall shared during the ceremony.

“Seventy-four years ago, this community suffered a great property loss with a fire that overtook our community from Lake Shore to North Shore, Boulevard Park to Sillery Bay, to the water’s edge of Long Point,” Hall said. “It was at that time that the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company was established. The year was 1944.

“Two years later, after much dedication, hard work [and] fundraising, the building at 4498 Mountain Road was built. Many turkey dinners, bingos, carnivals … dances and blackout blanket raffles were held to raise funds to help build the station and to assist with buying property and apparatus.”

At the new station, three drive-thru bays will ease the access of apparatus. The new station also features solar technology, low-emission appliances and is LEED Silver certified. Amenities include a commercial kitchen, offices for volunteer personnel, workspace for police and a physical training room.

According to Lake Shore VFC Assistant Chief Roger Gordon, the old station had basic equipment, but the new facility has medicine balls, a rowing machine, a treadmill and dumbbells.

As for the old building, Gordon said the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company plans to keep it in use for community events.

The community has been a big supporter of the fire company as well. On the morning of the ceremony, someone donated a plaque to the fire station, with an anonymous letter thanking members of the department for their service.

That service will continue, regardless of where the staff is stationed.

“It was bittersweet leaving the old 4498 station, but we look forward to the future at our new home,” Hall said. “From the old station, we continue to raise funds to purchase new equipment and apparatus. We will continue to serve the community with as much dedication and sport as we have in the past.”