New Fire Station is dedicated

Aug. 04--OSKALOOSA -- For the first time in more than 100 years, residents of Oskaloosa gathered to celebrate their new fire station.

The Oskaloosa Fire Station, which has been completely updated with all renovations now complete, was host to several dozen members of the community and local public officials throughout the afternoon and evening on Thursday, Aug. 3, to celebrate the occasion.

Oskaloosa Mayor David Krutzfeldt addressed the assembled crowd at 2 p.m., and he shared a memory of when the fire station was voted on and approved by over 68 percent of voters in 2014. Krutzfeldt said Oskaloosa Fire Chief Mark Neff was elated with the outcome.

"But I also remember thinking what a stroke it was for the city of Oskaloosa to show the amount of love they had for their fire department," Krutzfeldt said. "And also the recognition they had that these facilities do need to be updated, they do need to be maintained; especially when you're thinking about public safety."

Krutzfeldt said just like the library renovation, the law enforcement center and the local schools, the fire station was another example of the community's investment into high quality structures that maintain Oskaloosa's viability and way of life.

"It, along with the others, stands as testimony of how people working together for a common purpose, can create the great things that will live far longer than we will," Krutzfeldt said.

Neff also gave a short speech, detailing some of the process that brought the completed project to fruition and shared some of the history of the fire station.

"Firefighters have a sense of history. We always like the old. Sometimes we resist the new. The old station was built in 1909, we'll continue to utilize that facility," Neff said. "A little bit of history here, it is the second-oldest fire station west of the Mississippi [river] in the continental United States. Only Davenport, Iowa has one that's older, it was commissioned in 1904 or 1905."

Neff thanked the many groups, businesses, organizations and individuals that had a hand in the fire station project, including the fire station staff.

"This project has been exciting, sometimes challenging. Thank you,"Neff said.

In closing, Neff said the fire department is a symbol of the community.

"This is your fire house. We are just the key holders," Neff said. "We believe that when you come in and tour this [building], you'll be just as proud of it as you are. So, we'll get on with the business at hand."

Rather than a ribbon cutting, a fire hose uncoupling was performed by three groups: Neff along with Krutzfeldt, members of the Oskaloosa City Council and City Manager Michael Schrock; a second with members of the Oskaloosa Fire Department; and a third with the Fire Department along with members of the Oskaloosa Main Street Diplomats.

Following the ceremony, members of the public toured the facility. They filed into and examined the large apparatus bay, currently empty as the fire engines had been parked nearby to accommodate the visitors.

The second level includes an exercise area, a deck complete with a grill, maps, lockers, work spaces and a living room area. Fire Department history was also featured, with artifacts and decorations on display throughout the building. Members of the public seemed excited about the kitchen and meeting room, and they also viewed sleeping quarters.

Owen Wagner was among visitors who toured the building.

"I like it a lot. It looks great," Wagner said. "I love the apparatus bay, I love the space that allows them to operate out of here. The light in it is really nice. I like the little shelves in the stairwell going up to the fitness room."

Kayla Helt said she also loved the openness and extra space within the apparatus bay.

"It makes it feel a lot bigger," Helt said. "Also, the kitchenette and a little bit more of the spaces for the guys that are working all day."

-- Angie Holland is a staff writer for the Oskaloosa Herald. She can be reached via email at aholland@oskyherald.com.

Ray Becze said he thought the fire station renovation was fantastic for Oskaloosa.

"It shows how much people care about Oskaloosa and the importance of the fire department. I think it's a great thing for Oskaloosa's growth," he said. "I think it's really fantastic. I was really, really happy that they voted for it. It shows Oskaloosa is still a viable community."

-- Herald staff writer Angie Holland can be reached at aholland@oskyherald.com and followed on Twitter @OskyAngie.

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