Grand Forks AFB breaks ground on new fire station Published July 16, 2010 By Staff Sgt. R. Michael Longoria 319th Air Refueling Wing GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Grand Forks Air Force Base recently began construction on its new $13 million fire station here, which is scheduled to be completed by March 2011. "We have been very excited since we heard that about the project," said Senior Airman Zack Williams, 319th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. "I just can't wait for the new fire house to be built." A ground breaking ceremony, which included representatives from the office's of Sen. Kent Conrad, Sen. Byron Dorgan and U.S. Rep. Earl Pomeroy, was held by Col. Don Shaffer, 319th Air Refueling Wing commander, July 16 to mark the occasion. "This is a sign to the local community that Grand Forks AFB is here to stay and is preparing for a new and robust mission," said Colonel Shaffer. The old fire house was small and run-down. The new one will allow more space for the firefighters' modern equipment. "The new facility will better enable us to do our mission," said Corey White, 319th CES fire chief. "It is designed to improve how we execute our fire response mission." The funding for this project was awarded Sept. 23, 2009.