Iaff801.org
Title
IAFF Local 801
Description
seem like luxurious living. Compared to the old facility, the facility that firefighters started occupying about two weeks ago is clean, spacious and pretty much everything a fire department could want. "The old place was bad. We had no space, and it was dark and dingy," said Lt. Ken Stilson, a
firefighter for 26 years. "We didn't have a proper exhaust containment system for the truck, so the walls were black." For nearly 30 years, Engine 25 has rented space at the King Street Volunteer Fire Department on
. Three city firefighters per shift lived behind a one-bay garage in an apartment that included a kitchen, a dining room table, an exercise climber, a couch, four chairs, three beds and a bathroom. The space was roughly 700 square feet — including the garage. Over the decades, the improvement plans for Engine 25 varied. First, a building renovation was proposed. Then, there was a plan to build a new fire station on school property, a plan that was eventually shot down in a controversial vote by the Common Council. Then there was the mold problem. In March 2005, firefighters at Engine 25 discovered toxic mold growing under their kitchen sink and in their shower. The mold in question was stachybotrys, a toxic fungus thought to trigger everything from wheezing to skin irritation. While the affected areas were immediately cleaned, there were concerns some of the spores were airborne. Tests later came back negative. But last winter, the city decided enough was enough and moved forward with plans to expand and remodel the old digs for about $800,000. It was good news for firefighters, but it also meant they would live in a trailer until the new facility was finished. "It was rough, but we managed," Stilson said. "We are much happier now." The expanded facility is 1,600 square feet and includes a new bay for a truck, an office, kitchen, bathrooms, a workout area, sleeping quarters and more storage space. Firefighters also can breathe easy now. The new garage includes an exhaust containment system for the fire truck. "I still come to work like I did every other day. Now it's just a nicer place to live, with more space," said firefighter Walter Benz, who has worked for the Danbury Fire Department for 32 years.
Languages
English
Address
- PO Box 823150
- Vancouver WA 98682 US
Contact
- Unions-America
-
- +1 18777129191
Logos
Additional Information
Related Domains
External Links
- Alexa: Iaff801.org
