News: In the Media

WESTPORT — A steady rain couldn't postpone the groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for the new South End fire station.

After all, those who had worked on it over 10 years felt they had waited long enough.

Huddled under a small tent, town officials and firefighters gathered to mark the occasion that took several committees and Town Meeting and election votes.

Fire Chief Brian R. Legendre summed up the mood when he said, "It's been a long time coming."

He thanked all committee members, present and past, noting particularly the late Carlton Lees, a former fire station committee chairman.

"Unfortunately, he never got to see it come to fruition, but he's in our thoughts.

"When this is completed, it's going to be a major improvement for this department and our community."

Current committee co-chair Elizabeth Collins said it was the "tenacity" and clear vision shown by people who kept up the effort despite setbacks.

Among the setbacks was a defeat at the polls of an earlier proposal to buy land in Central Village and the defeat of a proposed public safety complex.

The voters finally approved a stand-alone fire station — not combined with police — on land the town already owns behind Beech Grove Cemetery.

The most personal comments came from firefighter/emergency medical technician Keith Nichelson, who recalled visiting his firefighter father at the Main Road station.

"My father had worked there most of his career, as well."

Nickelson said when he first started working at the Central Village station, "It brought back memories, but the station was cramped" and there were many other problems — with the septic system, faltering beams and garage space that is too small for today's fire trucks and ambulances.

As a result, the vehicles had to be custom built and the Fire Department had a difficult time getting bids for them.

Nickelson talked of his frustration after dealing with these problems.

"Then in 2008, a plan was created that was feasible for the town and the firefighters."

The fire station passed at Town Meeting last year with a "not to exceed $7 million" price tag. Of that amount, $5.9 million is estimated for construction. Chief Legendre said the station should be finished in 14 months.

The architects are Donham & Sweeney. The Architectural Consulting Group in New Bedford was chosen as project manager and Barr Inc. is the general contractor.