New Station Dedication
July 19, 1998

                The renovation of the Bainbridge Township Fire Station is finally complete after almost one year of construction. This 7,000 square foot addition nearly doubled the size of the original fire station erected in 1969. The $800,000 project is a result of a fire levy approved in November of 1995. The firefighters now have ample space to keep all of the fire department equipment along with functional offices to improve the services already provided. Fire Chief Brian A. Phan stated in his dedication speech, "The addition includes dormitories that will allow for 24 hour staffing to reduce response times to emergencies."

                The New Fire Station was recognized on Sunday, July 19, 1998 with a formal dedication ceremony and fire department sponsored open house. A record estimated 800 residents and community supporters were in attendance to witness the event. In the presentation Jeffrey Cambell, organizer of the dedication ceremony and open house exclaimed, "I'm sure, after your tour, you will agree that the safety of you and your family will be dramatically enhanced."

                The ceremony also included speeches by Township Trustees Christopher Horn, Sam Desiderio and Charles Hesse along with former Chief Edward Plomske, Fire Company President John Dobies and Kathleen Phan, president of the Blue Flames Fire Auxiliary. All praised the efforts of the architect Steve Cicereto and the members of the fire department. There was also much thanks to the community that supported the project. "This building, this day,this dedication is a testimony and a tribute to residents of Bainbridge Township who approved the levy, provided the money and put their trust in the fire company and the trustees to build the building."

                The Geauga Highlanders Pipe and Drum Band and the Geauga County Band assisted in the dedication along with a demonstration by "Pyra" the Geauga County Fire Investigation Unit arson detection dog. Metro Life Flight made a brief appearance between numerous emergency requests. Face painting, pictures with fire equipment, refreshments and guided station tours allowed the firefighters to meet many of the residents in a non-emergency environment.

                The building is expected to take the township fire and rescue protection into the 21st century, according to Bainbridge Township officials.