The officers and members of the Anthracite Steam Fire Company No. 1 would like to express our sincere thanks to several individuals and organizations for the support they have graciously offered throughout our recent fire station construction project.In 2010, we received nearly a half-million dollar Federal Emergency Management Agency firefighters' assistance grant to purchase a new aerial ladder truck. At the time, we knew it would not fit in our current station due to the new National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901 apparatus build standards. We also knew no manufacturer was capable of building a new rear-mount model with a low profile that would also meet the new emissions and NFPA standards.This was not the case when the grant was applied for. But once awarded the funding, we were required to comply with the new standards that were in place or return the grant, which is very hard to obtain. So we decided to move forward with the project anyway. With the help of our brother organizations and community leaders, we teamed up for success.The truck was ordered and delivered to the borough on Oct. 20, 2010. With prior arrangements, the truck would be temporarily stationed at the Mount Carmel Area Rescue Squad at Second and Walnut streets until renovations were completed at the Anthracite on Oct. 26, 2013. For three years, the truck was housed in its temporary home, which turned out to be longer than both Anthracite and Rescue Squad ever desired.It was a nightmare for the Anthracite personnel and a severe cramping hardship for squad members, hampering their EMS responses with the squad unit. Tensions grew over these issues, but all involved were more than reasonable to see the light at the end of the tunnel to get both organizations back to normal. The Mount Carmel Rescue Squad's hospitality was nothing short of outstanding throughout the process.In addition to the squad's generosity, we would also like to thank Joseph Stutz III for allowing the Anthracite to store our pumper in his garage at Fourth and Orange streets and respond from there at no charge from July 7, 2013, until the end of the construction. This was the point where both trucks had to be out of the station while the floor was removed and lowered 2 feet to accommodate the height of the apparatus. Throughout the project, we always looked to maintain the historical appearance of our home in the town park.Borough council, former Mayor J. Kevin Jones, Mount Carmel Volunteer Emergency Services Association, the Anthracite Fireman's Relief Association and the remaining organizations of the fire department assisted in making sure the project was successful. By financing a loan for the ladder truck and renovations, council saved the company money and they were able to earn a reasonable rate of interest. Council President Anthony Matulewicz was very instrumental in making this happen.Additionally, we would like to express our sincere thanks to the following people who offered tremendous assistance throughout the project through their support or services dedicated many unselfish hours to keep the costs down:John Williams, Jr. for administering the construction project; Jack Williams Sr. for overseeing the project on site on a daily basis; Edward Mikulski for volunteering his skills and services to reduce enormous additional costs; Myron Turlis Sewer and Drain for services provided on multiple occasions; Frank Lawski and Edward Kinn of IMAC Construction for services provided early on in the project; John Baluta from Pappy Baluta Plumbing for services he provided; Jim Reed for his assistance with plumbing and with Central Builders, Lowes and Patterson Block.And finally to the many members of the Anthracite who volunteered their own personal time and countless hours during the project, keeping costs to a minimal and for three years of confusion and stress while responding to fires and emergencies with trucks housed in different garages in opposite directions while keeping loyal to their duty and the community.This project was a good example on how a small community can pull together and make things happen. We at the Anthracite are forever grateful to all who directly or indirectly made this all possible.Jim Williams PresidentAnthracite Steam Fire Company No. 1Mount Carmel
Shots
00:00 across the street north side
04:30:07 Curb Engine side
06:09:14 Engine door
08:36:14 Truck door
10:57:22 Curb Truck side
12:37:09 Hydrant truck side
14:58:19 across the street south side (Church)
17:22:28 Inside shots and close-up
22:21:15 Anthracite Fire Company Members working inside
22:48:02 Sewer project