The Station(s) (Continued)
The original fire station is located on a single lot, beach front, on the east side of Bay Avenue. The first expansion in 1965, the second in 1969, and the third in 1975 were accomplished through deed land transfers from the town of Slaughter Beach on the south side of the building. In the early 1980’s the lot adjacent to the fire station on the north side was purchased. The house was raised and the present truck room was constructed in 1983.
Because of over crowding and necessity of stacking equipment the company approved the construction of a sub station that is located on the west side of Bay Avenue. This original building was completed in 1994/95 and was extended in 1997/98. It consists of four bays which houses the ambulance, one pumper, GMC van, and food trailer, tractor, and the newest addition, a John Deere Gator and trailer.
In the spring of 1998 the property north of the station became available and was purchased by the company for $159,500.00 and is reserved for future expansion of the present truck room.
The fire company provides an office for the town council and town meetings are held in the fire company meeting room. Other town functions such as elections, public hearings, etc.., are also conducted in this building.
The demographics of the fire company have changed over the years. Most of the active fire fighters live off of Slaughter Beach. To increase the company response time it was decided to build a sub station closer to Argos Corner. Ground has been purchased on Route 224 which will, when completed in 2007/2008 will increase the companies response time for alarms.
Through the years many fund raising activities have been used by the company to raise revenue. In the early 1960s, through the leadership of Ed Evans a carnival and fireman’s parade were held and a pier was constructed over the water on the east side of the station. Unfortunately this was lost in the March 1962 storm and was never rebuilt. These activities reactivated the day known as big Thursday.
The 4th of July Fireworks continue to be a popular event for the residents of southern Kent and eastern Sussex counties and summer residents. This activity has been continuous from the mid 1960s until present, interrupted only in 1997 by the closing of Cedar Creek Bridge. Thousands of people observe this event each year.