Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH WEBSTER – The renovations and construction at the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory station, North Webster, are nearly complete for the year, according to Township Trustee Christopher Francis.
This project is the first major overhaul since the station was constructed in the early 1960s, according to a provided news release.
The main building received a new metal exterior, removing the faded and damaged siding, fresh paint and exterior lighting. Inside the apparatus bay, the original concrete floor was heavily deteriorated. It was removed and a new floor, with an epoxy finish, was laid. Throughout the years, vehicles have become heavier and larger; now accommodations have been made for the future.
Elsewhere on the property, a new utility building was constructed near where the former theater stood. The new building will house an air compressor, fire hose and well pump, in addition to a utility truck and watercraft. With the drilling of a new well, a fire hydrant will be installed, providing additional water supply capabilities. In the event of a power outage, a small generator was formally used that only powered limited functions. A used generator was purchased that will provide electricity throughout the buildings.
The project was made possible because of township cash reserves that were saved in anticipation. The construction of a new firehouse would cost millions of dollars and is not feasible within our existing budget. The decision was made by Francis and the township board, consisting of Jim Rhodes, Ed Clayton and Mark Lawson, to rehabilitate the existing structure with substantial savings to the taxpayers. To date, the total cost is $288,453.
Francis said, “I would like to recognize Fire Chief Jeremy Likens for his daily oversight of this project.”
Looking forward, the house needs a new roof, the interior bay walls need covered and there is a possibility of expanding the main station to the west.
“Along with providing top notch service, we are doing our part to maintain the facilities, conservatively minded, for the next generation,” Francis stated.
The public is invited to tour the improvements during trick-or-treat on Saturday evening.
In other news, the Barbee Lakes tornado siren will soon be installed. The purchase was made possible with a grant from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. The next scouted siren location will be in the Tippecanoe Lakes area.
