County’s joint emergency services facility officially opens

The cutting of a piece of fire hose marked the official opening of Prince Edward County’s new Fire and Rescue Station 1 and Hastings Quinte Paramedic Services Facility Thursday night.

The public streamed in to enjoy a barbecued dinner, tour the 17,319 square foot facility and share in cake celebrating the culmination of more than five years of planning, and 10 months of construction.

The $4 million facility at 8 McDonald Drive features four double bays for fire and two double bays for paramedic services along with administration offices, classroom and a state-of-the-art dispatch room.

Firefighters moved from their Ross Street Picton location in mid-July and the paramedics landed in August, from leased space on nearby MacSteven Drive.

County Fire Chief Scott Manlow welcomed the public, council and special guests, provided safety instructions should the alarms ring during the ceremony, and thanked all who helped to create “a functional and safe environment for both firefighters and paramedics to deliver emergency services to the County for many years to come.”

“It was through much support that we made this happen,” added Mayor Robert Quaiff. “I’m incredibly proud to be here looking back over six years of work. And I thank Chief Manlow, someone who doesn’t give up.”

John Doucet, Fire Protection Advisor with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management said the initiative will create a long-lasting friendship with all personnel.

“There’s no doubt in my mind this facility complements emergency services, community, commitment and involvement,” said Doucet. “It’s been said the pride and joy of a community is reflected in its emergency services and this is a great example.”

He congratulated all involved “on this magnificent accomplishment” and presented the Fire Chief with a plaque in recognition of the official opening.

Carl Bowker, Deputy Chief of Operations for Hastings Quinte Paramedic Services, was also pleased to see the project come to fruition.

“It’s a great new partnership being under the same roof,” said Bowker. “We have the opportunity to learn from each other and that will also improve the level of services we provide to the public. Firefighters can teach us how efficiently they do their job and vice-versa. They will come to know how they can assist the paramedics giving medical care and we will have a better understanding, for example, of how they extricate somebody from a car. With those two worlds coming together they will better understand what the other is going to do next and how they can better work on the scene together.”

A DART (Difficult and Remote Access Team) vehicle was on display along with a new ambulance, for visitors to see. The DART vehicle has been at the Grapes of Wrath fundraising event, the Air Show at 8 Wing and Zwicks Park festivals.