New fire station for Lockport Township FPD (more)

Excerpts from HeraldNews.com:

In 1960, Don “Randy” Randich stood in the newly built Lockport Township Fire Protection District Station 1, watching as his fellow firefighters officially dedicated the building. That day marked the beginning of a long and proud career for Randich, who would go on to serve for 42 years.

Fast forward to 2017. Now 83 years old, Randich returned to the same location—this time sitting in the newly renovated Station 1, which had just been officially dedicated. He was the only surviving member of the original crew that once served at the old station.

“I was a firefighter for 42 years and saw six different chiefs come and go,” Randich said with a smile. “Back then, this station was considered one of the best in Illinois. This new building is absolutely amazing. I came here today to see all my friends, like family.”

The dedication ceremony took place on Friday morning, led by Chief David Skoryi, Station 1 Captain John Batusich, district trustees, current and former firefighters, an honor guard, local officials, and members of the community. The event included a traditional hose and coupling ceremony, symbolizing the strength and unity of the fire department.

The ceremony began at 10 a.m., with speeches from Skoryi and Batusich. Attendees then moved outside through the new bi-fold doors for a flag-raising ceremony, where the Lockport Township Firefighters Local #1544 Honor Guard raised the flags on poles attached to the building’s exterior.

Afterward, Fire Chaplain Rev. Mark Hein offered a prayer, followed by a symbolic hose coupling. Trustees Paul Siegel, Henry Meader, Dave Palya, Bill Kendziora, and Gordon McCluskey, along with union President Pat Kelly and Batusich, held the fire hose during the ceremony.

Chief Skoryi explained that in 2010, the senior staff and board of trustees decided the old building needed a major overhaul. Issues included outdated sewer lines, electrical systems, HVAC, and the need for gender-inclusive living quarters. There was also a lack of space for modern equipment and concerns about asbestos and technology upgrades.

After consulting with architects, the cost of renovations reached 75% of a new building, leading the district to decide on a full rebuild. Demolition started on May 25, 2016, with the ambulance unit temporarily relocated to Station 6 and the fire engine to Station 4.

Skoryi emphasized that the new building was designed to blend in with the historic downtown area. It features seven arches outside, representing the famous seven-arched bridge on Ninth Street. The apparatus room has bi-fold doors reminiscent of older firehouses, and instead of a traditional flagpole, the flags are mounted at an angle on the building.

Inside, the facility is fully equipped with state-of-the-art dispatch systems, red LED lights, and digital sign boards. The rooms are larger, the apparatus bay has heated floors, and there is enough space for larger vehicles and a diesel exhaust capture system.

The original Station 1 had a long history. It first opened in the 100 block of East 10th Street in 1897, then moved to the Adelman Garage in 1902, and later to the City of Lockport Building in 1938. In 1960, it was relocated to its current address at 828 E. Ninth St.

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