Posted: 8/28/02

Wyoming dedicates fire hall space

Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area Reporter

City, county, state and federal officials, joined Wyoming firefighters, their families and friends, for a celebration last week. On Aug. 21, an estimated 80 people attended the event. The occasion was the dedication of the new addition to the Wyoming Fire Hall.

Welcoming comments from Mayor Vern Haag were made from a podium set up in the garage in the facility expansion, normally holding three of the department rigs. Girl Scouts from local Junior Scout Troops 241 and 1462 and Cadet Scout Troop 254 presented the colors.

Fire Chief Dennis Berry reminisced about the early years of the department, with a wooden garage, a couple of trucks and once a month training sessions, then expansion into the, then, ìnewî facility in 1976, which has since been outgrown. Training requirements in terms of time and space have grown proportionately, he said.

Corbett Larson, RAK Construction Company, complimented HR Green Engineering on the ìgood designî and commented the building is a good one and he was proud to have worked on the project.

Congressman Jim Oberstar, a special guest, referred to comments made in the spring of 1976 at the dedication of the, then, new city facilities, saying the building would serve the community for many years. Many remarks were similar to those made in 1976, but appropriate for 2002.

He acknowledged that while the facilities did meet city needs, then, the newest expansion was necessary.

Growth in the area has been rapid. Upgraded and expanded facilities are necessary to maintain growth and maintain quality of life, Oberstar said.

Planning for this newest expansion began 15 years ago when the need for it was first recognized.

Tying remarks to the establishment of the Office of Homeland Security, Oberstar observed that organizations such as FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration, and their associated funding, often are swallowed up when they become a part of a larger organization.

He pledged to work so that these groups retain their autonomy even in their alignment with this newer organization. His particular concern is making certain that grants, of such importance to smaller communities, remain accessible.

These are of vital importance to smaller communities in maintaining high levels of public safety at the local level Oberstar said.

Among those attending were State Sen. Twyla Ring, Chisago County Commissioner Ben Montzka, Wyoming City Council members Paul Raduenz and Sandy Standridge, and EDA Chair Martin English.

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