Grand reopening held for Mason City Fire Department after $5.8 million upgrade to 50-year-old building (AUDIO)

MASON CITY — A grand reopening ceremony was held this morning for the major renovation and addition project at the Mason City Fire Department. The $5.8 million upgrade to the building constructed in 1975 includes nearly 5000 square feet of new space and extensive improvements.

Chief Erik Bullinger says the reopening of the building renews the department’s commitment to the people they serve.  “When we began this renovation, our goals were simple but pretty important. We wanted to fix the problems that come with age, we wanted to prevent future ones where we could, and then make sure the improvements we made would last for decades to come. We focused on high priority needs and long-term wellness, creating a modern, healthy and efficient space where firefighters can live and work safely. We wanted to take a good, solid building and make it great again.”

Bullinger says the department’s duties have changed since the building was constructed 50 years ago, including the addition of ambulance services in 2004.  “Our community has grown. Our call volume has increased from 500 calls to over 6000 calls a year, and the fire service itself says it all. We now provide services that they weren’t even imagined when this building went up. Our department now includes women and men who represent the strength and diversity of the community that we serve. As you can imagine, a building designed in the 1970s wasn’t built for all of that.”

Among the improvements include enhancing firefighter readiness, energy efficiency, and comfort with updated dorms and workspaces.

You can hear today’s ribbon cutting ceremony by clicking on the audio player below