Technically, it wasn't a ribbon cutting.
In keeping with the setting, City of Monroe officials joined together for a ceremonial hose uncoupling Monday at the new central fire station. The approximately 15,700-square- foot facility played host to community tours and a dedication ceremony to mark the completion of the multi-million dollar station located at 911 E. Third St.
Several officials spoke to the large crowd that gathered in the station's sprawling apparatus bay. Speakers included representatives from Redstone Architects of Bloomfield Hills – the firm that designed the station – as well as Auch Construction of Pontiac, the primary construction firm for the facility. Monroe Mayor Robert E. Clark and Monroe Fire Chief Rob Wight also took turns at the podium to thank all of the parties involved in the completion of the station.
"This is a great day for our department and our city," Wight said. "I'd like to thank the mayor and city council, as well as previous city councils. Without their leadership and support, we would not be here today. The purchase of our two new fire trucks, and now the completion of this fire station have given us the tools needed to operate safely and protect this community.
"I'd also like to thank the citizens of Monroe... I am very grateful of the support you guys have given us."
Clark noted that the process to get to Monday's dedication was long and winding, and required input from many different stakeholders.
"There are many who played a role in the completion of this facility," he said. "A facility, I might add, that was delivered on time and under budget... Not only is it an investment in delivering a service to the community, but it's an investment in the community."
Teffera Kowlaske of Redstone Architects talked about the longstanding relationship between her firm and the City of Monroe.
"It has been a humbling and remarkable 15-year relationship to come together to make this one goal of a brand new fire station happen," she said. "It turned out beautiful."
Auch Company President Vince DeLeonardis expressed his gratefulness to the city for involving his firm in the project.
"Not only is it an investment in public safety, but also in the jobs created," he told the crowd. "There were over 4,000 man and woman hours on this project."
Many retired Monroe firefighters were in attendance at Monday's ceremony, including former Fire Chief Manuel J. Hoskins. During the tours, residents got a glimpse at the station's expansive training and conference rooms, spacious offices and living quarters, as well as its state-of-the art apparatus bay and decon station.
"This station was built with goals of introducing technology and energy efficiency, giving us the opportunity to provide first class service to our citizens," Wight said. "Now it is our turn to show the citizens how much we appreciate them by providing them the service they desire for the next 200 years."
Residents who couldn't attend Monday's dedication will have another opportunity to tour the new station next month, when the department hosts its annual Fall Open House for National Fire Prevention Week.
The center will be open for tours on Oct. 5 from noon to 3 p.m., with special activities available that are geared towards family participation. These include trying on fire fighter gear, simulating extinguishing a fire with a hose and practicing with a fire extinguisher simulator.
Staff will also be on hand to answer any questions regarding fire safety or demonstrate equipment for guests to the station.
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