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Fire Dept. dedicates new White Street station

Date: 10/12/2010

Oct. 11, 2010

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor



SPRINGFIELD -- Noting the change in firefighting technology since the Oakland Street fire station was constructed, modern fire trucks were led by a horse-drawn hose wagon to the new station on White Street Friday as part of its dedication.

The Engine and Ladder 3 unit will have a new home at the White Street station, which cost over $4 million to construct.

City officials gathered for the dedication and the first grade from the nearby White Street School sang at the event.

A significant moment in the proceedings came when the U.S. flag was formally transferred from the old station to the new one.

The new structure is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building. Among the energy saving features are a 40 percent reduction in water consumption over similar buildings built to standard building code; a reduction of 22 percent in energy consumption due to greater insulation; ninety-five percent of the construction and demolitions debris was recycled or salvaged; and the building's paint and coatings have low volatile organic compounds, providing a healthier environment for the firefighters and staff.

According to information released at the opening ceremony, the city "intends to use the White Street fire station as an educational tool for the public" about sustainable design.

According to Fire Dept. spokesman Dennis Leger, the Oakland Street fire station was built in 1894 and was the last Springfield fire station to have housed horse-draw apparatus. It is also the last station to operate a tiller-driver hook and ladder truck. The last such truck was driven as part of the convoy from the old station on Friday -- it's last official ride.

Mayoral aide Thomas Walsh told Reminder Publications there are no plans at this time for the older station, but added he believes in the future the city will issue a Request for Proposals to solicit redevelopment of the structure.



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