Grand reopening today for Mason City Fire Department

MASON CITY — A grand reopening ceremony will take place later this morning for the Mason City Fire Department. The event marks the completion of a major renovation and addition project that has modernized and expanded the department’s facilities.

The $5.8 million upgrade includes nearly 5000 square feet of new space and extensive improvements to existing areas, enhancing firefighter readiness, energy efficiency, security, and comfort with updated dorms and workspaces.

Mayor Bill Schickel says it’s an essential public investment to a building that’s five decades old.   “This is the first major renovation of our fire department in 50 years. That building opened 50 years ago, and we’ve not seen a major  renovation since. This really positions us well to accommodate our female firefighters with separate sleeping areas, a beautiful sleeping area really for everybody if you’ve got a chance to go through it.”

Schickel commends the quality work of the city’s Fire Department.  “I’m so impressed with Chief Erik Bullinger and all of our firefighters and EMTs. I just feel good when if you have an emergency or a fire, they are there, and the kind of service our community, I’ve seen it many a time, the kind of service our community is receiving is second to none, and it’s really something to be proud of.”

The ceremony takes place at the Fire Department headquarters at 350 5th Street Southwest this morning at 10:00 AM. Guests are asked to park along the street or in the parking lot located on the north side of the building.