Grasonville Vol. Fire Department breaks ground on new station

GRASONVILLE — A gray overcast day did nothing to diminish future possibilities and endeavors as Grasonville Volunteer Fire Department celebrated the groundbreaking of its new firehouse May 10.

Grasonville’s first firehouse was chartered in 1960 and welcomed new additions in 1970 to suit department expansions, President Matt Coursey said.

“Now here we stand together on the same date exactly 54 years later, once again about to break ground on the new firehouse that will further our ability to keep up with modern standards and needs of our rapidly growing department,” he said.

Serious fundraising efforts have been underway for over 10 years, he noted, and the department’s building committee has spent countless hours discussing and designing the perfect facility to continuously serve the community.

The state-of-the-art facility will include all necessary accommodations for volunteers including bunk rooms, kitchen and a housing bay for the department’s apparatus.

Fire Chief Jason Anthony expressed immense gratitude to the community, whose staunch support and donations helped bring the project to fruition.

Over 50 years operating out of the same firehouse has left the facility “busting at the seams,” according to Anthony, with increases in department membership, larger fire vehicles and updated equipment.

“Where we’re at today is a proud moment for our fire department,” he said.

The Grasonville all volunteer department currently operates out of three buildings and the new facility will be able to seamlessly transfer operations to one location and set future members up for success, Anthony said.

The project cost is estimated at $5.6 million and construction is estimated to take one year.

Future plans include eventually housing a Queen Anne’s County medic unit in the old emergency medical services (EMS) building, Anthony said.

Queen Anne’s County Commissioner Phil Dumenil recognized the tremendous efforts and dedications of volunteer departments who ensure community protection without the need for paid career service departments.

“I shudder to think the costs to make that work,” he said.

Bob Breeding General Contractors has felt right at home taking on the design, build and contract work for community fire department facilities, according to Manager Andrew Breeding.

“Being a family owned and operated company, I believe this makes us a well suited match for a volunteer fire department whose members are like a big family,” he said.

A moment of silence recognized the passing of Tom Davis, of DMS and Associates who completed site work for the project.

The department will continue operations from the building behind the old firehouse while the new one is constructed. Grasonville Volunteer Fire Department is located at 4128 Main Street and more information can be found at: https://gvfd2.com.