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City leaders, residents and firefighters joined together today
to celebrate the reopening of the historic Engine 17 firehouse,
located at 1227 Monroe Street, Northeast.
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, Ward 5 Councilman Harry Thomas, Jr., and
Interim Fire/EMS Chief Brian K. Lee cut a red ribbon signaling
to the community that the firehouse is back serving the
Brookland community - as it has for more than a century.
“This is not just a ribbon cutting,” said Interim Fire and EMS
Chief Brian Lee. “This is a celebration of all that is good and
progressive in this department and our city.”
Originally built in 1902 – when horse-drawn wagons carrying
steam pumpers responded to fires, Engine 17 was closed in August
of 2005 so that a complete renovation of the station could take
place. A year-and-a-half later, the firehouse has undergone
dramatic modernization. Among the improvements: A
state-of-the-art fiber optic communications system, a vehicle exhaust ventilation system, and a new kitchen and living
quarters for firefighters.
While the renovation was in progress, firefighters and EMTs
assigned to the station shared quarters with Engine 14, located
at 4801 North Capitol Street, Northeast. Though never far away
from their first-due area, the firefighters who call Engine 17
home are happy to be back in Brookland where they belong.
“Our firehouses are much more than buildings,” Chief Lee.
“They are monuments to our proud past. We are engaged in an
aggressive program to upgrade and renovate all of our cherished
firehouses.”
Two city firehouses have been completely restored in the past
year. Two others are under renovation now. And two others are
set to begin renovation projects within six months.
City designers worked very closely with the community in
preserving the historical integrity of Engine 17 while upgrading
the facility to a state-of-the-art firehouse. Even the brass
pole installed more than a century ago was preserved.
Renovations to the building itself have provided a deeper engine
bay to make room for an additional Medic unit, which is already
in service.
Captain Timothy Redington, the officer in charge of the engine
company, looks forward to interacting with the community and
being involved.
“It’s a great feeling being able to be a part of this
re-opening,” said Captain Redington. “Our neighbors have been
so supportive, and this company is ready to be part of this
community again.” |
