After six years and four public votes, the new Berkshire Fire station is finally under construction. Berkshire Fire Chief Brett Welch has said for years that his department needed a bigger station, and after years of fighting for upgrades, he will finally see the hard work pay off. The $1.1 million project will build a new station that’s nearly twice the size of the old one. Berkshire Code Enforcement Officer Leon Virtue says that the old fire station was in such bad shape that it was falling down. He says it definitely needed to be replaced. The new station will have room for all four fire trucks and an ambulance. Plans include a community center with a kitchen and dining area. The new station will nearly double the square footage for the Berkshire Fire Department from 4,000 square feet to approximately 7,500 square feet. The Berkshire Fire Department has nearly 100 volunteer members, but only about 25 of them are active. Chief Welch hopes that the new station will invite new members, and make some of the his other members more active.
The new fire station is expected to be completed by August. Firefighters are planning a community open house as soon as it’s open.
