Fairgrounds Fire Station officially opens
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
POLSON — A giant American flag fluttered and rolled over the new Fairgrounds Fire Station on Regatta Road on Saturday, March 13, drawing attention to the building.
The Polson Rural Fire District hosted an open house at the station from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
PRFD Chair Alison Meslin cut the ribbon officially opening the Fairgrounds Fire Station at about 10:15 a.m.
PRFD Trustee Jim Manley welcomed people to the station and said it was the culmination of a 12-year project. Manley thanked Tex Brown and Wes McDonald, who were on the board when planning for a new fire station began, as well as Ross Hoyt, Steve Bundy, excavator Dave Graham, banker Jamie Buhr, and builder Paul Iverson as well as PRFD Building Committee members Meslin and Paul Laisy.
Former PRFD Trustee Dave Ottun, Manley added, probably saved the taxpayers $20,000 with his building expertise.
Manley credited the Lake County Commissioners for their generosity in leasing the land to the PRFD for $1 per year.
Manley also praised Fire Chief John Fairchild and all the volunteer firemen who put in countless hours painting and moving turnout gear and equipment to the station.
The Fairground Fire Station will “serve a lot of people for a long time,” Manley concluded.
Inside the station, Chief Fairchild and local firefighters answered questions and guided the public through a Polson Rural Fire District fire truck, delighting kids with the lights and an occasional blast of the siren.
The fire department rescue boat and a Polson Ambulance were also on hand to be explored.
Kids received their very own bright red fireman’s hat and could stick on a junior fireman’s badge as well as collect a pencil or two.
Both children and adults were drawn to the kitchen and meeting room by the rich smell of brewing coffee and roasting hot dogs. Hot dogs, chips, sodas and coffee were served all day.
Nancy Hauserman and children from Coalition for Kids baked and decorated cupcakes with flame-colored icing and contributed platters of lemon bars and sausage, cheese and crackers trays.
Chief Fairchild said about 140 people walked through the station during the open house.
Fairchild said he was pleased with the turnout but wished more community members could check out the new station.
