WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Massachusetts fire marshal came to town Saturday to congratulate the local Fire District and the taxpayers of Williamstown for the "amazing" station they have built on Main Street.

 

"I travel around the state, and I've seen hundreds of firehouses around the state — some great, some not so great," Fire Marshal Jon Davine told a crowd gathered outside the station for its dedication. "And I think we saw what the previous station here was in Williamstown. I'll tell you, especially in Western Massachusetts, we have a really big problem with deteriorating firehouses throughout Western Mass. These buildings are collapsing around our firefighters.

 

"And, as the marshal, it's my job to advocate for the departments for more funding. We've been working with our state reps and local reps and the fire chiefs association, trying to come up with different funding streams, so that we can help these departments build new stations, do better, safer stations, so that they have the equipment and the building they deserve to do their job safely."

 

The chair of the Prudential Committee, which governs the Fire District, and the chief of the department both thanked Williamstown residents for the 2023 special district meeting vote that paved the way for the station that went into operation earlier this year.

 

"It's an honor and a privilege to join you today as we celebrate this grand opening of the new firehouse," Chief Jeffrey Dias said. "This facility is so much more than a building that houses fire trucks. It stands as a symbol of our community's commitment to safety, preparedness and public service. It's a place where our members will maintain our equipment. They will learn about our craft. They'll share meals and, yes, from time to time, they're going to share sorrow.

 

"This isn't a fire station. This is a firehouse. And people have heard me say this a million times already. And it houses the very best second family that one could imagine."

 

Dias was joined at the podium set up in the parking lot for the noon ceremony by Prudential Committee Chair David Moresi, state Rep. John Barrett III and the the Rev. William F. Cyr, who gave an invocation.

 

The festivities included special recognition of recently retired Prudential Committee member John Notsley, who gave 63 years of service to the department, and student firefighter Alexandra Riggs, who will be graduated from Williams College next weekend.

 

The official part of the day ended with a ceremonial hose decoupling outside the apparatus bay, and then hundreds of residents poured into that bay to be broken up into smaller groups for tours of the firehouse, which were scheduled to run until 2 p.m.

 

"I'd like to recognize the steadfast dedication and drive of the members of the Williamstown Fire Department," Dias said during his public remarks. "They have put so much effort into ensuring this facility is well taken care of and is well represented to you today. It's going to serve our community for the next seven decades. This station will provide our personnel with the resources, technology and space that they need to respond quickly and effectively.

 

"These men and women stand ready to protect lives and property, often at great personal sacrifice. Their courage, professionalism and commitment exemplify the very best of public service. They answer the call at all hours and in all conditions, and they ask for every little in return beyond the opportunity to serve their community.

 

"As we dedicate this station today, we do so with confidence that it will strengthen our emergency response capabilities, that it will enhance our public safety, and it will serve as a source of pride for our entire community. Because this is your firehouse."