The city of Reading made the following Facebook post Sunday, Sept. 22:
“We’re excited to announce the ribbon cutting of the brand-new 9th and Marion Fire Station!
“This modern facility will enhance the safety and service our firefighters provide to the community. A special thanks to former Councilman Strat Marmarou for initiating this project over 15 years ago, and to all those who worked tirelessly to make it a reality.”
A groundbreaking ceremony was held in November 2021 for a new building across Marion Street from the 19th-century station. The city used $5 million of its federal allotment of American Rescue Plan funds for the project and used $4 million of its own capital funds, according to a report in the Reading Eagle.
Here is the 19th century fire station. The new station was built (to the left of the old station) across Marion Street. (Google maps)
At the groundbreaking ceremony in November 2021, Reading Mayor Eddie Morán said, “After nearly a decade of planning, designing, negotiating, contracting, and funding, the 9th and
Marion community will finally have its new fire station.
“A new fire station represents fresh beginnings and represents the opportunity for our firefighters
to better serve our residents. With this announcement, we solidify our commitment to a safer
community in the city of Reading.”
“This is truly a great day for the city of Reading and the Department of Fire and Rescue
Services,” said Chief of Fire William Stoudt Jr. at the 2021 groundbreaking. “I cannot thank enough Mayor Morán and his administration along with City Council, especially Councilman Stratton Marmarou, for their
support of this project.
“This station will also allow the firefighters to work in a modern station that provides for their
physical and mental well-being when not responding to calls.”
Among the amenities of the new three-story station is a spacious day room and kitchen on the third floor overlooking Ninth Street that opens up to a courtyard, the Reading Eagle report said. There are also a number of smaller day rooms and larger turnout-gear storage and decontamination spaces, accordin