The Hanover Fire Department will be moving to a new home this weekend.
The new fire station at 670 First Street is ready to welcome the department's 35 members, with move-in set for Sunday.
The $7.5 million facility broke ground last fall and Fire Chief Jeff Dentinger says they're anxious to leave their 10th Avenue location and get into their new home.
"This is very exciting for us, it's a much larger space, we're very cramped where we are," he said. "Parts of our present building were built in the 1930s, so moving to this new station this is a large feat for the department."
Dentinger says along with more space, the new station offers lots of benefits.
"Part of the station has a training area in it, which will allow us to fill rooms with smoke and practice our search and rescue. There's many high-angle tie off points inside which means we can train year round on high-angle," he said. "It's also net-zero, so it's self-sufficient. Everything in it is powered by hydro and there will be solar panels on it as well, so it's very environmentally friendly."
This week, they've been moving some equipment into the new station in preparation. Then on December 8, all the fire trucks and apparatus will be moved over for the first official day of operations in the new home.
As part of the move, Dentinger says a test of the new station's siren will be conducted Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Residents are reminded that there is no need for concern.
"This relocation is a significant step forward in our efforts to prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents," said Mayor Sue Paterson. "The new facility not only strengthens our emergency response capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to building a resilient and prepared community."
An official grand opening of the new station will be held in the spring of 2025.
