The skies may have been overcast in shades of gray, but the atmosphere was one of excitement and sheer joy on December 11 when an estimated 350 residents, friends and family gathered inside Mattapoisett’s new fire station to celebrate its grand opening.
And grand it was, with heart-felt speeches, fire personnel attired in dress uniforms and music appropriate to the occasion, all leading up to the big moment, the ribbon cutting. There were the soul-clutching sounds of the bagpipes played by retired Westport Deputy Fire Chief Sam Manley, followed by a thrilling and lilting rendition of the National Anthem sung by Erin Scott that provided that touch of grace. This was followed by Fire Chief Andrew Murray welcoming a standing-room-only crowd and leading attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
A blessing and prayer from the Reverend Lucia Anne Jackson of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church preceded the speakers, as tiny children to senior citizens watched in solemnity and gratitude.
Murray spoke to the critical need of replacing the 1951, long-outdated fire station at the corner of Route 6 and Barstow Street, where toxic off gassing from diesel fumes and other particulates had permeated the entire structure for decades, creating an unsafe working environment for the crews.
The lack of a ventilation system along with the lack of the ability to shower or adequately clean fire gear contributed to the dangers faced by the department, he said. Added to that was the reality that toxins were most likely entering the private homes of the firefighters because equipment was being cleaned there. All of those immediate concerns were swept away with the opening of the new station.
Another fact that became a real concern for the department and the town was the fact that modern-day fire apparatus would not fit inside the obsolete structure. To demonstrate that point, a newer engine was positioned nose to nose with a 1940s model that Murray compared to the size of a pickup truck.
Marveling at his surroundings, Select Board Chairman Jordan Collyer told the assembled, “Look what you have given our very deserving family.”
Collyer thanked Representative Bill Straus for his help in securing the grant funding for the traffic lights necessary for the safety of the public and Mattapoisett firefighters as they exit the station onto Route 6. That estimated $1,000,000 package was not part of the original $9,000,000 cost estimate for the new building, he noted.
But Collyer’s message was as heartfelt as admittedly nervous. Fighting through his mix of emotions, Collyer spoke of firefighters as a family he has felt part of since he was a young boy. While acknowledging that the old firehouse held many fond memories, it is incumbent upon the crews to take those memories with them to the new fire station where “we will remain a family.”
If there is a singular person worthy of note for his unflagging willingness to volunteer for the massive job of spearheading the Fire Station Committee, all agreed it is Mike Hickey.
Hickey, a retired engineer whose career includes being part of teams responsible for building some of Boston’s iconic healthcare facilities, took upon himself the challenge of pulling together not only the committee that would spend two years researching structural options for a new fire station but then oversee on behalf of the town the actual construction.
True to his unassuming nature, Hickey thanked others with a special shoutout to his wife, retired educator and author Kathleen Hickey. In his opening remarks, he said the catch phrase “It takes a village” was appropriate. “It has been a labor of love by all involved for a much needed and deserving department, and for the long-term benefit of all of Mattapoisett.” He said that the need for a new station was not a question. “That’s been known for 30 years!” Hickey said that the Fire Department was a patient department, “doing their job and making the most with the facility they had.” He thanked them for their service.
Hickey commented on Murray’s many presentations to various committees and boards over the preceding years, “selling the project” and that once the project made it through to a warrant article at the 2019 Annual Town Meeting, “approval at town meeting was not to be taken for granted no matter how significant the need.”
In the end, the project received overwhelming support with 441 Town Meeting members voting yes and only four casting a no vote. “Two weeks later at the polls the debt exclusion passed – 1160 to 160 – Thank you Mattapoisett!”
Certificates of appreciation from the Fire Department to several critical players who assisted in getting the project done were given to William Cantor, Fire Station Committee member; Hickey, retired Director of Inspectional Services; Andy Bobola, Collyer; Town Administrator Mike Lorenco; former Town Administrator Mike Gagne, and soon to be appointed Police Chief Captain Jason King.
Before the ribbon cutting, former Town Administrator Mike Gagne and former selectman Paul Silva concurred that the timing was right for the massive construction project to be funded.
“The timing was perfect for the bond market,” Gagne noted with Silva adding that had the project been delayed construction costs would have jumped up to unknown heights. “If it had been 12 months later, we would have been in trouble,” Silva said.
Hickey had also commented to The Wanderer that when the pandemic hit there had been discussions about suspending the construction already underway. But after careful consideration, “We decided to keep our foot on the gas pedal.” He, along with Gagne and Silva, concurred that the sustained push saved the project hundreds of thousands of dollars. Gagne said, “It’s the culmination of many people, and it’s a beautiful final product.”
Select Board member Tyler Macallister said, “Pretty cool … long overdue.” Finance Committee Chairman Pat Donoghue said, “I’m thrilled. I feel safer now.”
Counting up the numbers, Hickey said that there were “13 consulting firms, 40 contractors and 12 other firms providing systems, equipment and furnishings that were not included in the construction contract.”
Lorenco told The Wanderer, “It’s not over, we have to maintain the building,” but he also stated, “We came in under budget.” Exact figures are pending. Also pending will be a warrant article most likely at the annual spring Town Meeting for a new fire engine to replace an aging and failing older model. That expense is on the Capital Planning Committee’s radar. And the good news is when a new fire engine is purchased it will have a home it can fit inside.
Beside being large enough to house 21st century apparatus, the building features state of the art exhaust systems, washing machines for gear decontamination, shower and restroom facilities for all sexes, training rooms, an exercise and equipment room, a kitchen and sleeping area. Where once equipment for the department was spread across several locations in town, now everything is within easy reach of the crews.
Towards the end of the formal speeches, Murray presented Hickey with the silver shovel he had used during the groundbreaking ceremony two years earlier. Hickey said he would find a place in his home to display it.
Ribbon cutting was executed by Collyer, Murray, Macallister and Hickey, and a flag-raising ceremony followed outside the gleaming new fire station.
By Marilou Newell