Plymouth — Richard Metzger’s arm hairs stood up as he spoke about the Plymouth Fire Department’s new station.
Metzger, Plymouth’s fire chief since 2009, did not mince words when discussing the new $3.4 million station, which is expected to be completed by the end of August.
When asked if he ever considered opening a new station, he simply said, “Never.”
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the community,” Metzger told the crowd. “It’s a once-in-a-career opportunity for many fire chiefs, and I’m honored to be a part of it.
“I never imagined I would see it. Never did. “I get goosebumps just thinking about it.”
The new station, located at 184 Sandusky St., will be open for public tours on September 13 at 11 a.m. The event, which is exactly one year and one day after the station’s groundbreaking, will begin with a dedication ceremony and then continue with an open house.
As of Aug. 4, the chief reported that Ashland-based Simonson Construction Services had completed approximately 90% of the cutting-edge station.
“There’s systems in there that I’ve never had,” said Metzger, who has been with the Plymouth department since 1994.
The only remaining tasks before unveiling the new building are finishing touches to lighting, electrical, and plumbing. The chief stated that the department intends to be in and operational out of the new station by October 1.
Plymouth Volunteer Firefighters Association raising funds
The Milliron Foundation generously donated $2.8 million to help fund the new station. With a $600,000 state grant, the facility is fully funded, eliminating the need for additional local tax revenue.
The Plymouth Volunteer Firefighters Association is raising funds through donations to cover furnishing costs, moving expenses, and technology and communications equipment, with a goal of $70,000.
Calvin Redden, the association’s treasurer, stated that a significant number of donations have been received from both residents and businesses in Plymouth and surrounding communities.
“We’re sitting at $20,455 just in cash donations,” said Redden, who is also a lieutenant with Plymouth Fire and a full-time firefighter with Shelby Fire Department.
Metzger stated that he was approached by a resident who explained that she was on a fixed income and handed him a $5 bill. The interaction made him feel emotional.
He stated that her name will be one of many on a donor wall at the new station.
“Everybody that donates is going to be on there, no matter the amount,” according to Metzger.
Built for future generations
According to Metzger, the Plymouth Fire Department currently employs 24 firefighters, including paramedics.
The firehouse will have 24/7 accommodations for up to nine firefighters, with the possibility of supporting two more in the future. Truck bays and living quarters will be separated in the new four-bay, eight-truck facility.
The station will be 11,600 square feet in size, with a 1,000 square foot mezzanine for mechanical equipment, storage, and fire and rescue training.
There are also plans for a community room and museum, which will house Plymouth’s original 1929 Model-A fire engine permanently.
Metzger and Redden couldn’t think of anything negative about moving to a new station.
“Pretty much everything that we’ve asked for from Simonson and the (Milliron) Foundation, they’ve pretty much granted us everything we saw as a need,” Redden told me.
Metzger, who has worked at the Portner Street station for over three decades, believes the most difficult adjustment will be overcoming his own muscle memory.
He stated that he has been visiting the 20 Portner St. facility almost every day for the past 15 years.
“I’m very proud to be a part of it and glad that I am here to be a part of it,” Metzger told me. “I made it.”
