ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Elmira Fire Department’s historic Fire Station #5 on Roe Avenue, is about to undergo some critical upgrades and reconstruction. 

The fire station was built over 100 years ago, in 1911. Quite a bit of time has passed, and the quality of the station’s floor has taken a toll. Fire Chief Andrew Mallow said renovations need to be made to keep the station standing, and Elmira’s firefighters safe.  

“This wooden floor has deteriorated to the point that it has become unsafe,” he said. “The original heavy timber has rotted from years of water and salt and the age of it...itself.” 

Fire Chief Mallow said cribbing and plywood on the station’s floor have been replaced several times over the years and it is officially time to reconstruct. Plans to upgrade the fire station have been in the works since the 1980s.  

 When he spoke to Elmira’s city officials in 2023 about renovating, Fire Chief Mallow said everyone was on board.  

“With the help of former chiefs, Building and Grounds Director Kyle Sullivan and his crew, Mayor Mandell, City Manager Mike Collins, city council, and countless others who have helped get this project started...I’m beyond excited to announce that this project is going to take place that has been talked about for decades,” he said.  

Past fire chiefs have worked with the City of Elmira to budget the funding renovations through capital projects and American Rescue Plan funding, totaling to nearly $159,000.  

Fire Chief Mallow said the construction will take about two months to complete.  

“Supposed to be April 1st... they’re already staging equipment,” he said. “They’re telling me eight weeks, approximately. The neighborhood is going to be a little quieter, especially at night. But other than that, I think everyone is looking forward to this project.” 

Former Fire Chief Patrick Bermingham said the station needs to stay standing to increase response time and keep the people of Elmira safe. 

“Simply...how long can you hold your breath if you’re on the ground from a heart attack or a house fire,” he said. “Frankly, the closer people are to you, the better off the outcomes are.” 

Bermingham’s family has been protecting Elmira as firefighters for over 100 years, since the fire station was erected in 1911. He said this legacy needs to continue, and people will always need to be protected.