Excerpts from HeraldNews.com:
In 1960, Don “Randy†Randich stood in the newly built Lockport Township Fire Protection District Station 1, as his fellow firefighters celebrated its opening.
Fast forward to 2017. Randich returned to the same building—now brand new—and sat among friends, the only surviving member of the original crew that once served at the old station.
“I served as a firefighter for 42 years and worked under six different chiefs,†Randich said. “Back then, this station was considered one of the best in Illinois. This new building is amazing—beautiful and modern. I came today to see all my friends, like family.â€
The dedication ceremony took place on Friday morning, led by Chief David Skoryi, Station 1 Captain John Batusich, district trustees, current and former firefighters, an honor guard, officials, and members of the community. The event included a traditional hose and coupling ceremony, symbolizing the unity and strength of the fire department.
The ceremony began at 10 a.m., with speeches from Skoryi and Batusich. Attendees then moved outside through the new bi-fold doors for a flag-raising, where the Lockport Township Firefighters Local #1544 Honor Guard raised the flags on poles attached to the building.
Afterward, fire chaplain Rev. Mark Hein offered a prayer, followed by the ceremonial coupling of the fire hose. Trustees Paul Siegel, Henry Meader, Dave Palya, Bill Kendziora, and Gordon McCluskey, along with union President Pat Kelly and Batusich, held the hose during the ceremony.
Chief Skoryi explained that in 2010, the senior staff and board of trustees decided the old building needed major upgrades. Issues included outdated sewer lines, electrical systems, HVAC, lack of space for both male and female firefighters, limited room for larger vehicles, asbestos, and the need for modern technology.
After consulting with architects, they found that the cost of renovation was nearly equivalent to building a new structure. As a result, the decision was made to rebuild.
Demolition started on May 25, 2016. During construction, the ambulance crew was temporarily relocated to Station 6, and the fire engine was moved to Station 4.
Skoryi emphasized that the new building was designed to blend in with the historical downtown area of Lockport. Outside, there are seven arches representing the famous seven-arched bridge on Ninth Street. The apparatus room features bi-fold doors similar to those in old firehouses, and instead of a traditional flagpole, the flags are mounted at an angle on the building’s façade.
Inside, the station is fully equipped with state-of-the-art dispatch systems, red LED lighting, and digital sign boards. The rooms are more spacious, with heated floors in the apparatus bay, and there's now enough room for larger emergency vehicles and a diesel exhaust capture system.
The original Station 1 had a long history. It first opened in the 100 block of East 10th Street in 1897, then moved to the Adelman Garage in 1902. In 1938, it relocated to the City of Lockport Building, and finally moved to its current location at 828 E. Ninth St. in 1960.
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