Tour de fire station: Rochester fire department continues to ask for improvements
A fire truck is parked inches from the garage door. Photos by Mari Huglin
Both fire trucks parked in the fire station garage.
The industrial washer that removes toxins from firefighters' uniforms. 
The fire engines are parked inches from the walls. 
More fire uniforms hang in the fire station.
Damage can be seen on some to the exits where collisions have occured due to cramped space.
Fire engines are parked extremely close to one another.
The one small fan that rids toxins and exhaust from inside the fire station.
Space is tight and storage is placed where it can be.
One fire truck is parked tightly in the garage.
Fire Chief Scott Weigel stands in the cramped garage.
The training room is also the gym.
Helmets and equipment are shoved to the side.
Fire uniforms are hung in the garage.
The exterior of the fire station.
Office spaces are cramped and store many necessities for fire fighters.
There are two bedrooms in the current fire station.
The basement is unusable.
A fire truck is parked inches from the garage door. Photos by Mari Huglin
Both fire trucks parked in the fire station garage.
The industrial washer that removes toxins from firefighters' uniforms.
The fire engines are parked inches from the walls.
More fire uniforms hang in the fire station.
Damage can be seen on some to the exits where collisions have occured due to cramped space.
Fire engines are parked extremely close to one another.
The one small fan that rids toxins and exhaust from inside the fire station.
Space is tight and storage is placed where it can be.
One fire truck is parked tightly in the garage.
Fire Chief Scott Weigel stands in the cramped garage.
The training room is also the gym.
Helmets and equipment are shoved to the side.
Fire uniforms are hung in the garage.
The exterior of the fire station.
Office spaces are cramped and store many necessities for fire fighters.
There are two bedrooms in the current fire station.
The basement is unusable.
ROCHESTER — The Rochester Fire Department has wanted a new fire station, with improved safety and efficiency features, for three years.
The fire department and Rochester Building Committee have worked together for three years to create a plan to move the station from its current location at 4 Pine St. to 65 Pine St.
The updated station would include new training spaces, a dedicated fitness center, ventilation systems to reduce exposure to cancerous chemicals and updated equipment.
The projected cost has decreased from an initial $30 million estimate to about $19 million. Finalized design plans and costs will be presented at Spring Town Meeting.
Built in 1883, __ said the current fire station is outdated and poses health risks due to poor ventilation. Additionally, the structure lacks proper decontamination bays, Emergency Medical Services storage and training spaces. The facility also does not meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
Fire Chief Scott Weigel said that the current staff is made of 73 firefighters and Emergency Medical Service responders, and he is the only full-time employee.
The current training area is one room full of equipment, training items and a gym.
There is no ventilation system to remove toxins from the air. Instead, firefighters rely on a small fan to remove any contaminants from the station.
There are two bedrooms, a kitchen and living spaces, but these areas are small. The basement is full of dirt and rocks, and Weigel said it can’t be used for storage. He said his ultimate goal is to have a safe, updated space for everyone.
“A place that is safe for everyone to work and the contaminants are moved like they should be — that's really the biggest thing,” Weigel said.
He said the station needs to move to 65 Pine St. because its current footprint is too small.
Weigel said the three-year project is making headway, but he is frustrated it has taken so long.
“We've been having this conversation and we need more help here. A lot of times it falls on deaf ears, but we're trying,” Weigel said.
He said it is important to show taxpayers why there is a need at the department. The department plans to host tours, open houses and present at the Council on Aging.
The Rochester Town website also displays a video and information about the history and need for the project.
“All I can say to people is come here, take a look, find out why I'm why the department's asking [for updates],” Weigel said.
