ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Elmira Fire Department has completed some major upgrades at the Roe Avenue Station, but still has more work to do as they get a new 100ft ladder fire truck ready for service.
After more than 100 years in service, the wood floor of the station had taken quite a beating. The plywood was replaced several times over the years, but now there's a concrete floor, which will better support the fire trucks and equipment housed there. The station has a fresh coat of paint, and a new back deck. The living quarters have been moved upstairs, and a weight room and equipment room are on the ground floor.
These improvements were a long time in the making, helping to support the fire department, and the community at large.
"It's exciting for us. That that station was built 1911 and you know we're glad to see it come back to life. With these improvements, it should serve the community for another 50, 100 years without any trouble," said EFD Chief Andrew Mallow.
There's still some work to be done at Roe Ave. The iconic '5' on the station is set to see a facelift, and the second overhead door is going to be made wider to fit the newer, larger trucks, like the 100ft ladder truck EFD just acquired.
Crews were out doing some training on East Water Street Tuesday afternoon, checking out the water flow, and seeing the all new features. The truck can spray more than 800 gallons of water per minute. Chief mallow says, this truck will help the department better serve the community.
It was paid for by American Rescue Plan funds, and the department was eagerly waiting for the new truck.
"Our trucks are starting to age out. Our 2000 ladder truck has been problematic, and so the 75 will become a reserve, and it'll be a good, reliable reserve for a long time," said Chief Mallow.
Mallow said some equipment still needs to be put on the new truck, and will it be in service in about a month.