Stone’s new community fire station was officially opened during a special ceremony on 20th April.
New Chief Fire Officer Rebecca Bryant was joined by station manager David Steele at the celebration. Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Mr Ian Dudson CBE, performed the official opening, watched by serving and former firefighters based at Stone and visiting members of the Estonian Rescue Board. Local dignitaries, along with representatives of organisations that use the community rooms, also attended.
David Steele said: “This is a very exciting time, both for the firefighters who are based at Stone and for members of the local community. Stone Community Fire Station will not only be a response facility where firefighters will turn out to emergencies but will also provide a base where vital prevention and protection work can be carried out with and for the people.
“The community fire station is a very strong tool in the fire service kit. Interacting much more closely and regularly with local people will help us to reduce the number and severity of incidents reported. This, coupled with state-of-the-art facilities, ensure it is fit to meets the needs of a 21st century fire and rescue service.”
The £3 million community fire station replaced the outdated base built in 1975. It was designed to enable firefighters to respond more efficiently and effectively to modern-day emergencies.
Stone Community Fire Station opened in January 2015 and was the fourth facility to become operational in phase two of a major upgrade of buildings across the county. Facilities within the building have been created specifically with the community in mind and for the use of residents.
