GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
Federal Fire Deputy Chief Dave Kobayashi pointed out the equipment used by firefighters in a display yesterday at the newly dedicated Federal Fire Department and Training Center in Makalapa. CLICK FOR LARGE |
|
Federal firefighters get new facility
The building brings together support, EMS and other services for the first time
The Federal Fire Department unveiled its new headquarters near Pearl Harbor yesterday.
The facility is expected to increase the Fire Department's efficiency and decrease its costs. The 23,000-square-foot building was handed over in December, and renovations have continued since.
"We've moved out of 11 different buildings in the past," said Region Fire Chief Glenn de Laura. "This is the first time we've consolidated all of our support services, administrative services, supply, training, EMS (Emergency Medical Services) and prevention into one building."
The Federal Fire Department consists of 245 trained civilian personnel, 13 stations, 28 firefighting apparatus and 13 specialized response vehicles. The department covers a total of 69,118 acres of military installations and facilities.
"We take care of all military property on the island, with the exception of Hickam," de Laura said.
The headquarters is made up of offices, classrooms and training areas.
One of the popular displays in the building is a dummy of a fully equipped firefighter with a price tag on each of the different parts of the uniform.
The total cost to outfit a firefighter today is more than $23,000.
"I'm very excited, very pleased," said Capt. Taylor Skardon, chief of staff, as he toured the new headquarters. "We didn't get a lot of money. (The firefighters) did a lot of this themselves. I'm proud of them."
In addition to the new facility, de Laura said they are planning to acquire land farther into the Makalapa area.
"We haven't gotten the OK yet, but if we do, we want to build a whole training center," de Laura said.
About 100 family members, friends and retired firefighters came to the grand opening.
"If I wanted to see all my people at one time (for a meeting), I had to give three days' notice," de Laura said. "This has brought our department together."