Firefighters raise the American flag at the dedication of the Adams Area Fire District headquarters on state Rt. 228. The new station replaces the existing facility in Mars which was too small to house modern equipment and had no room for expansion.

ADAMS TWP — Township residents joined municipal and state officials Saturday afternoon to help celebrate the grand opening of the newly constructed Adams Fire District station, marking the end of a project fire company leaders said was a testament to the community's support of its volunteers.

After a ceremony that culminated in members of the company ceremonially pushing the district's pumper truck into the new building, fire chief Bill Hayes said he hoped the project — which township officials said took nearly a decade to negotiate, design and construct — will be a hallmark of what's to come for the fire district. As volunteer fire companies across the state continue to struggle with declining membership and financial pressures, Hayes said it's important for fire districts like Adams Township to look to the future.

“We're proud to pay homage to our rich history, but we are not satisfied with the status quo,” Hayes said. “We embrace change, and this building is proof.”

The station's grand opening attracted more than 50 residents and visitors as well as elected officials from the township, county and state. Supervisor Linda Lees, who has served on the board for 28 years, said the celebration was overwhelming for those who had been with the project from the beginning.

“I can't even put the words to it,” she said. “It's just amazing to know that this building will help a lot of people.”

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