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Palisade To Open Up New Fire Station

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Dec 28, 2012 at 5:22 PM MDT

Story Updated: Dec 28, 2012 at 8:53 PM MDT

PALISADE, Colo.- It was first a library, and now it's a brand new fire station for the Palisade volunteer fire department.

It's been something that town officials have wanted for years, and now it's opening up to more than 30 firefighters and EMS personnel.

"It's finally happened. We probably needed this at least for the last 15 years," said Richard Rupp, fire chief of the Palisade Fire Department.

Town administrator, Rich Sales, says the new facility has been a top priority for years.

"Fire and ambulance are one of those key components in any town, including the Town of Palisade," said Sales.

Officials say the board of trustees and the Palisade Rural District worked together to fund the $1.8 million project without borrowing money or raising taxes.

Palisade volunteer firefighters say several pieces of equipment stay outside due to limited room inside, and with the snow piling up on a lot of the gear, it can slow down their response time.

"In the winter months it's a problem because they have water in them [trucks] and water freezes, and it causes damage," said Rupp.

With the new facility all the equipment will fit inside and more beds will be made available for firefighters to stay in overnight.

"Half of our department is out of the district, so to have extra sleeping rooms is really going to be a benefit," said Mike Lorsung, volunteer firefighter.

Officials say the new location of the station is more convenient.

"We're closer to the highway, a major artery; being able to get onto the interstate easier," said Rupp.

Officials say this building will get them through the next 30 to 35 years, no problem.

"I think it's going to be a big plus for the community. We got a nice facility we can be proud of and give our volunteers a place that they'll be proud of," said Rupp.

Firefighters say they hope to have the Police Department eventually join them in the new facility as well.

Firefighters will be moving all their stuff from out of the old station, into the new one, over the weekend. They will hold their grand opening Jan. 12.

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