Last month, FA reported that Allendale Township was about ready to begin construction on a new $7.5 million fire station. Well, those plans came to fruition on Thursday, reports hollandsentinel.com, as the township broke ground for the new facility to be built near the intersection of Lake Michigan Drive and 68th Avenue, right next to the current one.

Earlier: Allendale Township (MI) Set to Build New $7.5M Station

The project has been in the works for years, as the current station lacks space and isn’t ideal for the area’s growth. The new digs will include sleeping quarters, a kitchen area for when it’s converted to a 24/7 staffing model, women’s quarters, restrooms, lockers, and be handicap accessible.

The project won’t result in any tax increases, the report says. Its price tag includes the construction and outfitting of the new building, the demolition of the existing building, and reworked entrances.

Local Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and the Allendale Charter Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA) made contributions to the new construction; GVSU contributed $1 million, while DDA donated $3.5 million, FA reported.

The Briceville Volunteer Fire Department has received all the materials for its new fire hall, and the department even set a date for the facility’s groundbreaking: Thursday at 6 p.m.

The ground-breaking ceremony will be held at 1916 Briceville Highway, officials say.

A report from wyshradio.com says that Lt. Governor Randy McNally and State Representative John Ragan have been invited, as have other local leaders and the public.

The report notes that the project has taken some time. In fall 2019, BVFD received an $80,700 grant and low-interest loan of $74,200, which, coupled with the county’s $30,000 match, was to be used to fund a new fire station.

COVID-19 had other ideas, though, as cost increases and supply-chain issues arose. Cuts were made but the department was still $75,000 short in June 2021. Department officials attended a budget committee meeting and offered a proposal, the report says. BVFD agreed to reduce its annual appropriation of $27,500 from the county to $5,000 for the next 15 years.

On Friday, May 6, Escambia County District 1 Commissioner and Chairman Jeff Bergosh introduced the proclamation naming Escambia County Fire Rescue-Station #2, “The Bradshaw-McNair Fire Station,” named after District Chief Dwain S. Bradshaw and long-time Station #2 Chief Steve McNair.

The proclamation was presented during the ECFR-Station #2 groundbreaking ceremony with the families and friends of Dwain S. Bradshaw and Steve McNair in attendance, along with fellow representatives of Escambia County.

On Nov. 6, 2019, Chief Bradshaw tragically was killed in the line of duty while working an active call. Chief Bradshaw is remembered for his years in public service. He served for Escambia County Fire Rescue as a District Chief and Assistant District Chief. Chief Bradshaw also served as a police officer, a veteran of the U.S. Army, the U.S. Army Reserves and the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

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Retired District Chief Steve McNair served the citizens of the Beulah community for over 50 years as a volunteer firefighter, mentor, instructor and leader. After a devastating fire destroyed the original Station #2 in 1977, Chief McNair personally helped rebuild the current fire station being used today. He retired from service in October of 2019.

“Today was a tremendous day for our county, the Beulah Community and for ECFR as we broke ground on our newest modern fire facility on Nine Mile Road,” said Commissioner Bergosh. ̶

MagneGrip, the only 100% sealed magnetic system meeting the NFPA 1500 standard for diesel exhaust removal, is introducing its latest product innovation at the FDIC International Conference Expo Indianapolis. It’s called the PRO Nozzle, and its new features make it both ergonomic and economical.

The key to the new nozzle design is MagneGrip’s patent-pending flex-magnet technology. With this advanced technology, the PRO Nozzle easily connects to a fire engine’s tailpipe from any angle, allowing firefighters to attach it seamlessly from a standing position.

Other new features include:

• Pull-Down Design – The PRO pull-down design provides a quick and easy connection regardless of tailpipe height and will never meet the floor.

• Space Saving – The PRO 90° transition elbow keeps the hose close to the fire engine, leaving more room for personnel to maneuver around and between vehicles.

• Max Ground Clearance – The PRO offers the smallest standard tailpipe adapter in the industry for greater ground clearance. The PRO is compatible with 4”, 5”, and 6” diameter hoses.

• Durable – The PRO’s cast aluminum transition elbow dissipates heat faster and does not rust. A stainless steel heat shield and air flow through the magnet assembly separate and protect the magnets from heat and particulate, extending magnet life.

MagneGrip first demonstrated its new PRO Nozzle at FDIC International on April 25-30, 2022 in Indianapolis. 

MagneGrip offers fire and EMS departments free assistance to find diesel exhaust removal and air purification systems grants. To request assistance with fire grants, call 800-875-5440 or visit https://www.magnegrip.com/free-grant-assistance.

About MagneGrip

MagneGrip, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, is committed to firefighter health and safety with over 40 years of experience in the air cleaning industry. MagneGrip is ISO 9001:2015 certified, proudly owned and operated by Midwest Ohioans, and manufactured and assembled in the USA.

For more information about MagneGrip and the PRO Nozzle, visit www.magnegrip.com.