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%T ,pi f i à, T py F © 1 a IP ■yy Orono and area residents residents turned out in force last Friday afternoon afternoon during inauguration inauguration ceremonies held at the new Orono Fire Hall. The building, which Z"' ■ mf onry .T'- ' v '- - cost just over $300,000 and is located between Taunton Rd. and the Orono business section, was formally opened by members of town council, council, staff, and builders February 23. c&fl* ti tyint/Tbrrto (T dll -V ' 'ii Ward Three local councillor Ted Woodyard, who served as master of ceremonies, ceremonies, introduced a number of guests, including including Regional Chairman Gary Her- Ward Three Regional Councillor Diane Hamre unveils unveils the plaque which will commemorate the construction construction of the new Orono Fire Hall. She is assisted by Jim Hayman who retired as the Town of Newcastle Newcastle Fire Chief last year but oversaw the completion of the building. Newcastle Mayor Garnet Rickard cuts the ribbon are District Deputy Fire Chief Jack Mercer (right) to officially open Orono's new fire station. Assisting and Newcastle Fire Chief Jim Aldridge. Firefighter Allan Luke and District Deputy Chief Jack Mercer in the communications room of the new fire hall. The building also includes several other office and meeting rooms, a hose-drying tower, kitchen equipment, and a washroom. Overall design of the building is similar to the new fire station at Courtice, although some alterations have been made at the Orono site. Unlike the Courtice station, Orono does not have an upstairs meeting area. The Orono Fire Hall includes a large outdoor training yard, complete with a practice hydrant. Section Two Wednesday, February 29,1984 rema, and representatives representatives of the builders and the town's engineering engineering consultants. Councillor Woodyard described the hall as one of the most up-to- date facilities in the community. He also commended volunteer firefighters for their dedication. Newcastle Mayor Garnet Rickard said- the construction of a new fire hall has been discussed for the past 10 years. "In order to meet the challenges of the day and the poten tial of tomorrow, your council felt it was necessary to build a new fire hall," he said. He reminded the audience audience ofabout 100 that the building has been paid for entirely through current funds raised by the Town of Newcastle. "There are no debentures, there are no debts," he said. Councillor Diane Hamre said the hall is evidence of all members members of council working together to address the needs of the whole town. "I feel it was worth waiting for and that this bulding will serve us for a long time to come," she said. The Orono Fire Hall now consists of a district district deputy chief and 17 other volunteers. The building contains contains two firefighting vehicles, but there is room for additional equipment in the future. future. Training facilities have also been provided provided through a large meeting room and a rear lot which is also available for training. Ward Three local councillor Ted Woodyard He is shown here, along with some of the platform served as Master of Ceremonies for the opening of guests which included elected officials, town staff, the Fire Station held Friday, February 23, in Orono. and representatives of the builders and engineers. Visiting fire chiefs were among the guests at the fire hall. From left to right are: Deputy Chief Ron Hawkins (Ajax); Fire Chief Edward Crouch (Whitby); Newcastle Fire Chief Jim Aldridge; and Fire Chief Don Lynde (Pickering). The large apparatus bay of the fire station served as an auditorium for the ribbon-cutting and other opening ceremonies, Although the crowd had thinned thinned when this photo was taken, the ceremonies at tracted a full house. Refreshments were served immediately immediately following. The bay shown here can accommodate accommodate four fire trucks.