Small Town News

New eastside Graham fire station officially open

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Voters OK'd it two years ago

In a display of deep community pride, county political leaders and local officials joined the Graham Fire and Rescue Department last week in dedicating its newest fire house - Station 6, located on 224th Street at 128th Avenue.

"Today's a real milestone," said Graham Fire Commissioner Bob Skaggs, as he described his department's 20-year process of planning, fund-raising and building that has culminated with the construction of the first fire station in the eastern end of the district.

Graham's new station was built as part of a $12 million construction bond passed by voters in 2008.

In addition to the station on 224th, a second fire house - Station 5, on 78th Avenue -was significantly renovated and now has an expanded capacity to provide fire and medical services in the busiest call sector of the Graham district.

Graham's project manager, assistant chief Ryan Baskett, was widely touted for his skill in ensuring that the construction of these two sttions, which occurred simultaneously, was completed on time and under budget.

Baskett, in turn, praised his department for its support, and also the contractors.

"This is bigger than me," said Baskett, adding that the new fire stations reflect Graham Fire's and its construction partners' "commitment to the mission of providing the finest fire safety and medical services to our community."

Baskett, along with fire chief Reggie Romines, noted that the economic downturn has provided an ideal opportunity to build the new fire stations, such as allowing building permits to be obtained in just six months, whereas just a few years ago it took 24 months when the headquarters station on 70th Avenue was built. Construction materials were also cheaper, and the resulting savings have been enough for Graham Fire to begin a third renovation - this time at the Benston fire house on 304th Street, known as Station 3.

Romines said his department has begun drafting building designs for the Benston work, and it will include permanent living quarters for the fire and medical crews, and will also contain a large community room and office space.

Romines said that his department will also share the new facilities with the Pierce County Sheriff Department, which will lease space in the expanded fire station, and thus increase Graham's public safety.

On a related note, Romines also said that Baskett has applied for county permits to build electronic rea-derboards at the newly constructed fire stations, despite the fact that the Washington State Growth Management Hearings Board struck down the recently enacted county codes allowing such signage.

Electronic readerboards are highly contentious in Graham, and have been prohibited by the Graham Community Plan. Nevertheless, the Graham Land-Use Advisory Commission has supported the request by Graham Fire and Rescue to construct these devices as a means of enhancing public safety, such as for Amber Alerts, school lock-downs and storm emergencies.

Pierce County Councilman Roger Bush, who attended the Station 6 dedication ceremonies, said he expected the county to rescind its sign code changes to comply with the Hearings Board and then revisit the issue, probably in early 2010.

Correspondent Bruce Smith can be reached at dispatch-new @yahoo.com



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© 2011 The Dispatch Eatonville, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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