Port Huron Fire Department holds open house for new station

Hundreds of people got their first look at Port Huron Fire Department's new station on 10th Street during an open house Thursday afternoon.

City officials held a "hose uncoupling" to celebrate the opening of the 18,915-square-foot station that had been under construction since December 2022.

"We will be dead and gone before they have to replace this building. It's that well built," Port Huron City Manager James Freed said at the open house.

Freed lauded the new facilities which modernize the fire department. The new station was built to replace the fire station on River Street, which was originally constructed in the 1960s.

Port Huron Mayor Pauline Repp said the new fire station was the biggest investment in the fire department during her career, adding that it highlights the value the community places in its firefighters.

The new fire station provides firefighters with upgraded facilities, including individual bedrooms, a decontamination room, a larger garage to hold more vehicles and the "training tower" used to practice responses involving great heights.

Freed thanked Port Huron Fire Chief Corey Nicholson, who oversaw the construction while running the department.

Nicholson told those present their tax dollars would help the department better serve the community by reducing response times and improving training.

"Without your financial support, Fire Station 1 would not be possible," Nicholson said.

Nicholson also thanked the firefighter for their work helping to move operations from the River Street station to the new one. Though construction of Station 1 was technically finished in June, the fire department spent several hours moving supplies and equipment across town to get it up and running.

Guests were allowed to tour the fire station their tax dollars paid for. Children tested out a fire house with assistance from the department's firefighters. Others checked out "Old Gert," the 100-year-old fire truck originally owned by the department. It's now owned by Terry and Rita Ernest, who allowed it to be displayed in the new fire station's garage.

Gary and Judy Lenn of Port Huron said they were glad to see the new facilities firefighters would have access to in their job.

"It seems like it's a good investment to improve the fire department," Gary Lenn said.

Marty Habalewsky, another Port Huron resident, said he has watched the building come together each day while passing it on his way to work. He noted the fire station's location on 10th Street meant it would be able to more quickly respond to house fires.

"I've been watching it go up and it's bigger (than the previous station)," Habalewsky said. "I'm sure it's going to be better for everyone."

Contact Johnathan Hogan at jhogan@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Port Huron Fire Department holds open house for new station