After the Safety Committee of Circleville Council had a walk-through of the Circleville Fire Station, Kevin Coleman had a long chat with the Chief.
The committee members looked at minor water damage over the front office. Fire Chief Bryan Thompson says for a 20-year-old building, it has been more than solid and adequate...but needs a little help there.
He gave the committee, council president, and mayor the grand tour after the inspection.
Thompson said it was a community effort to design an attractive building that fit well - but the building has stood the test of time and is also functionally great in terms of size and potential. He says with the Safety Service levy, he plans to work on "a lot of growth" including bringing in more staff.
The lone fire station in Circleville also acts as a fire museum, including a 1929 Seagrave ladder truck used for parades and funerals, and is open to the public by request. Visitors can even call at the emergency phone at the front door to ask to come in.
Thompson says they are also opening the fire station up more for special events like a "Lowdown" for Downs Syndrome kids to visit, and using a garage bay for drug take-back day.
He says they are a "public safety family" and are doing much more with Circleville Police after the levy.
See many photos and hear the long interview below.
Kevin Coleman regularly reports on Chillicothe & Circleville councils and local culture