News Search

Grand Forks unveils new firefighting HQ

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Fifty-three years after Grand Forks' original fire station was built, the base unveiled its new state-of-the-art fire emergency services headquarters building here Sept. 7.

Ten-thousand square feet larger than the original station, which was last renovated more than a decade ago, the new facility took roughly 14 months to complete and offers 13 vehicle bays.

"The Air Force is dedicated to providing firefighters first-grade fire stations," said Ron Bergh, 319th Civil Engineering Squadron assistant fire chief special operations. "This new station serves a dual purpose.

"First, it is an emergency response facility for the firefighters who protect the people, the aircraft, the facilities and equipment on Grand Forks Air Force Base. And secondly, this station will also serve as a home away from home for the firefighters who stand ready to respond to a wide variety of emergencies during the many hours of duty."

The Air Force teamed up with congressional delegates to help procure funding for the facility, which totaled approximately $11.5 million.

"It speaks volumes when our congressional delegation cares about our men and women in uniform," said Col. Tim Bush, 319th Air Base Wing commander. "This facility is not just a place they work, it is their home. We owe it to these brave firefighters to provide the best station available."

The new station offers 18 bunkrooms, a television room which seats 18, a game room, kitchen and dining rooms, a laundry room, and a fitness area.