HARLAN TOWNSHIP — Construction on an 11,000-square-foot firehouse for the Harlan Township Fire Department will start next week.

        The concrete masonry structure will be built on 9 acres along Morrow-Rossburg Road at Ohio 132, across the street from fire headquarters. It replaces the original pole-barn station built when the all-volunteer department was established in 1976.

        “It's a big happening in the township,” said Alene Panetta, president of the Harlan Township Board of Trustees. “They are certainly a dedicated group and we're excited about this project.”

IF YOU GO

• Dedication ceremony: 4 p.m. Saturday on Morrow-Rossburg Road at Ohio 132, across from the Harlan Township Fire Department headquarters     • Fish fry: 4:30-7:30 p.m., Saturday, at fire headquarters     • Cost: $5.50 for fish dinner; $2.50 for fish sandwich

        A groundbreaking ceremony at 4 p.m. Saturday at the site will precede the de partment's fish fry from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The department's new water tanker, delivered this week, will be on display, said Fire Chief Andy Mitten.

        Money to pay for the station is coming from a $1.2 million bond issue approved by voters in March. On Wednesday, trustees selected Seyferth Building Co. as general contractors, said John Kilburn, Harlan Township clerk. The firm will be paid $744,825. Vugges Electric will do electrical work at a cost of $89,500. Proposals for plumbing and heating/ventilation are being reviewed.

        “This is the biggest project the township has ever done and the second largest in the township,” said Chief Mitten, referring to the LM Animal Farm a few years ago. “Three years ago we formed the 2001 Committee to study our facilities and this is what they recommended.”

        Plans call for the station to have four drive-through bays for the larger equipment plus a multipurpose room for meetings or training, a day room, offices, restrooms, laundry room, communications center and a commercial-sized kitchen for use by the firefighters and the community.

        “We needed a larger and more modern facility,” Mr. Mitten said. "We're out of room and the pole barn was deteriorating.”

        When the department was formed there were 12 volunteers who used one pumper. Now there are about 40 volunteers and 14 high school cadets. There are 12 vehicles — including pumpers, grass fighters, brush trucks, water tankers and rescue trucks — plus two life squads.

        Runs have remained steady the last few years, averaging about 45 per month, which includes both fire and medical runs, said Mr. Mitten, who was one of the original 12 firefighters.

        Chief Mitten said the community has about 4,000 residents.
       

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