Some 45 years ago Deputy Mayor Joe Kurz walked into Williamstown Fire Company No. 1 and began a lifetime of service to his town as a volunteer firefighter.
“It was the only building I served in,” said Kurz while looking out on the razed remains of the firehouse at Virginia Avenue and Main Street that was demolished earlier this year. “I have lots of memories.”
Despite the sentimentality, Kurz is thrilled about what will rise from the ashes in 14 to 16 months as contractor Ogren Construction has begun site work and will build a brand new, $7.9 million, 15,800 square foot fire house with four bays designed by Robbie Conley Architect, LLC.
“I am very excited,” said Kurz, a retired Monroe police detective who came up with the idea of a new firehouse while serving as president of the Firehouse Company in 2014. “It has been a long time coming.
“It has taken us 10 years. The old firehouse was outgrown and outdated.”
Kurz pointed out that research found that new construction would be more cost-effective than rehabbing the building and bringing it up to code.
The new building will have administrative offices, a meeting room, a kitchen, a day room and a bunk room “in case someday we may need paid firefighters,” said Kurz, adding that the 100% volunteer fire company with 120 members has served the community since 1909.
“I would like to thank Mayor Greg Wolfe for moving this project forward the past two years. He has been a strong supporter of the fire department,” said Kurz, who also thanked the many volunteer firefighters at Station No. 1 and Williamstown Fire Station No. 2 on Route 322.
“I really appreciate the time and effort of all the volunteers to save money for the taxpayers,” he said.
Fire Company No. 1 officers were also appreciative of everyone helping to make the new firehouse a reality, releasing the following statement:
“Most importantly, we would like to thank all of the members who served on the building committee,” fire officials said. “These members have put in countless hours designing a building that would be feasible for the operations of our department not only for today, but for the future as well. Finally, we would like to thank all of the residents of Monroe Township for their continued support through the years,” they added. “Your support is what helps keep this department moving forward.”
Kurz said the building project got more good news in July when State Sen. Paul Moriarty announced that $400,000 was included in the state budget to help the fire company in its quest to build a much-needed new station.
State officials recently presented a check for the funds at a recent Township Council meeting.
These funds will be used to outfit the new firehouse with everything from security features to furnishing, and even a weight room for physical training. The company will post timelines and updates about the project as it continues.
Kurz also said the company sponsors many events in Williamstown to give back to the community, and wanted residents to know that the annual Christmas Tree sale will still be held this year at a vacant lot on Main Street catty corner from the firehouse.
As for the fire engines, trucks and equipment, much of it is now at the old EMS building on Blue Bell Road until the new firehouse is completed.
The Williamstown Fire Company No. 1 was started in 1909 and formally organized until 1911 by a group of townspeople who saw the need for a fire brigade to protect their properties. The first piece of fire equipment was a hand-drawn, two-wheel hose cart.
Eventually a firehouse was erected on Blue Bell Road between Main Street and Library Street. This wooden frame building housed the equipment and served as a meeting place.
When the new Monroe Township municipal building was erected in 1930 at the corner of Main and Hall streets it included a firehouse section large enough to house three pieces of equipment.
In 1975 the township constructed a new fire station and police headquarters on a site that was once a railroad yard. It was that firehouse Kurz first walked into back in 1979.
Now, within 16 months, there will be a brand new firehouse at 555 S. Main St. for him to walk into and continue his 45 years of dedicated service to Williamstown and Monroe Township.
