New fire station celebrated

    “Welcome to YOUR Clear Lake Fire Station,” Fire Chief Doug Meyers told hundreds attending a special dedication ceremony Saturday.  “It is dedicated to all of us that call Clear Lake our home.”
    The station, located at 711 2nd Ave. N., was dedicated in unique fashion, with the department’s 1924 Ahrens Fox Fire Engine being driven out of the station by Chief Meyers and former Fire Chiefs Jim Dyre and John Simpson and breaking a tape.  A few moments later a sign which has been displayed

on two previous fire departments dating back more than 75 years was ceremonially pulled from the back of the fire truck and paraded to the entrance of the building where rookie firefighters were ready to hang it on the building.
    The remainder of Clear Lake’s emergency vehicle fleet was then directed to roll into position in the 17,300 square foot station. 
    Other special touches at the ceremony included presentations to living chiefs Dyre, Simpson and Rob Bell, who could not be present.  The department also presented a flag to New York City firefighter Mike Moran, who had served as a host when local firefighters traveled to NYC to pick up a piece of steel salvaged from the World Trade Center.  Moran, whose brother perished in the 9/11 tragedy, gave the firefighters a patch from one of his brother’s dress uniforms.  The patch and other memorabilia is displayed in the new station. 
    Mayor Nelson Crabb thanked the firefighters, along with their families and the community for supporting their work.  “Residents demonstrated they want to see Clear Lake continue to move forward.  As the steel symbolizes, lest we never forget.”
    State Representative Linda Upmeyer said she has always been impressed by the commitment and pride the Clear Lake community has demonstrated and its support of the fire department and its new station and Senator Amanda Ragan said, “This is a beautiful example of the very best of forward thinking.”
    Assistant Chief Mike Keefe, who presided at the ceremony, noted architect Sam Bontrager, of SEH, St. Paul, Minn., designed a station that looked like it has been a part of the community for many years, but will take the department well into the future.  He also praised Chief Doug Meyers for moving the department forward as times were changing, noting the volunteer fire department has been transformed into a paid EMS and volunteer fire department.
    Meyers credited the community with advancing the fire department and thanked residents for their support of the $2.3 million bond issue which funded the project.  The measure received an astounding 78 percent approval in August 2010.  Meyers noted contractor Henkel Construction finished the job ahead of schedule and under budget.
    Following the formal dedication ceremony, large crowds enjoyed touring the building and seeing the new displays and work space.  The new - Read More Via e-Edition