|
The Pride of the Department
The poor conditions of Pioneer Fire Hall, dating back to the late 1800's was detected by the city building inspectors, who condemned the building. The inspectors found "the front to be sagging, the bricks out of plumb, the building shook when the over-head doors were opened, bricks could be removed by hand and one wall was buckling." Also, beams that supported the second floor were sagging badly. This endangered the apparatus which was jammed so close together that a man could stand on the running boards of both trucks at one time. There was also a bell tower atop the roof and every time the alarm sounded the entire building shook.
Reliance Fire Hall was in good condition, but its location was inconvenient. Engines leaving the hall had to contend not only with a heavily congested street, but Sixth Street was also one way.
From every standpoint, one fire station would be a great asset to the city. Instead of having two old stations within two blocks of each other, one condolidated station would provide better service, thereby saving on lighting, heat and maintenance.
The first step towards a new headquarters came in 1960, four years after Pioneer Fire Hall had been condemned and Reliance Fire Hall considered a poor location. A site was acquired by the city at 4th and Wood Streets. Although the location of the new station proved controversial at times, plans had been carefully laid by Director Ronchetti with the aid of Vineland's firemen and the consent of Mayor and Council.
The existing building were removed and architectural plans were drawn up by John A. Fletcher Associates. The general contractor for the new station was Pierre Letellier.
Reliance Fire Hall was in good condition, but its location was inconvenient. Engines leaving the hall had to contend not only with a heavily congested street, but Sixth Street was also one way.
The new headquarters station was opened on September 8, 1962. The new building, a two story structure costing just under $200,000, was constructed of concrete blocks, prestressed concrete beams and an exterior covering of brick. The interior was finished with glazed blocks in the engine room and paneling in the offices. The floors were covered with asphalt tile and the building was air conditioned with the exception of the engine room.
Today, the main floor is comprised of a 69 by 80 foot engine room. The engine room has four over-head doors on Fourth Street, for the exit of apparatus and can hold en pieces of apparatus. At present there are three pumpers, two arials, one brush truck and two department care kept at headquarters.
At the rear of the engine room is a wash bay and hose tower. The hose tower is equiped with five electrically operated hose lifts which will hold 2,000 feet of hose. This tower eliminates the age old, back-breaking problem of drying hose to prevent it from rotting.
Also found on the first floor is the control room for the department, dormitory for the paid firefighters, Director's office, fire prevention office, locker room and lounges. The second floor consists of a large meeting room, kitchen and utility room. A finished basement had Civil Defense offices and storage and a recreation area for the firemen.
The "heart" of the entire building is the control room. Although it is only 10' by 15', the room contains the equipment which makes the department tick, including a moder alarm system, the siren alerting system for all five companies, direct phone lines to the other four stations plus the Police Department and the radio system which keeps headquarters in touch with all of the department's vehicles.
Today, the main floor is comprised of a 69 by 80 foot engine room. The engine room has four over-head doors on Fourth Street, for the exit of apparatus and can hold en pieces of apparatus. At present there are three pumpers, two arials, one brush truck and two department care kept at headquarters.
The acquisition of five properties, to the north of fire headquarters through various local and federal projects began in 1969. The one acre area was completed in 1973 with paving and the installation of a hydrant on the property. Although this area increased the parking area for headquarters, the most important use is that a drill and pump operator's practice ground.
The dedication of the new station completed the consolidation of Vineland's two oldest and most traditional companies, Pioneer and Reliance. They became completely "Company No. One" and their old halls on Wood Street and Sixth Street were closed forever as fire stations.
|
Brief History
History Written By Linda M. Kandle in 1976.
Other Improvements
|
