The Clayton Fire Company is doubling the size of its 123 year old fire house.
Renovations costing a total of $2.2 million included adding a second story to the station, along with an additional engine room, several offices, an exercise room, among many other spaces. The additional rooms have expanded the station from 10,000 to 20,000 square feet.
Fire chief James Johnson says the new spaces were built to accommodate an expanding company. Additions such as the banquet hall are intended to be used by local community members who continue to help fund the station.
“That’s a big fundraiser for us as well," said Johnson, "having weddings here, large meeting groups, your family reunion or your kid’s birthday party could be here. You just have to rent a hall.”
Senator Tom Carper, who also serves as co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, visited the station. He noted the importance of the exercise room, which he has seen in more recently renovated fire stations.
“You want to make sure that if you’re fighting a fire and if you have to carry people around, maybe one of your buddies, you want to make sure they’re fit," said Carper. "Nobody pays these folks to be volunteer firemen. They do it, they do all the studies and training out of the goodness of their hearts. It’s great to have a fitness center to attract people and make sure they’re fit.”
The Clayton Fire Company operates through its volunteer firefighters and 150 members.
