Jess Deitman, 35, of Punxatawney, concentrates on his work at the Unionville Volunteer Fire Company on Wednesday. Dietman works for Etzel Masonry. Cary Shaffer/Butler Eagle
The addition to Unionville Fire Hall in Center Township means more than just added space — it’s a look into the volunteer fire company’s future.
Construction of the space at 102 Unionville Road has been taking place since March and will make it possible for a live-in firefighter program to begin later this summer.
According to assistant chief Nathan Wulff, the project includes adding six private bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open-concept living room/kitchen area and a vehicle bay. The hall will be approximately 40 feet by 80 feet.
Living quarters construction continues on Unionville Volunteer Fire Company in Unionville. The addition will provide six private bedrooms and additional storage to improve staffing and response times. Cary Shaffer/Butler Eagle
“The main purpose of this is to add living quarters for a live-in firefighter program,” he said. “Some other places in the area have this concept. We’d provide free room and board to people who respond to fire calls.”
He added that this opportunity would guarantee overnight and evening staff, speed up response times and possibly attract the next generation of volunteers.
“The live-in program should be pretty appealing to younger folks — to live somewhere rent free in exchange for response to fire calls and emergency events,” he said. “We have two people lined up who plan on moving in, and we would like to have four.”
The construction is being done by W.K. Thomas as the general contractor. Wulff said adding the living quarters to the preexisting 2003 building will cost $500,000.
“We’re always fundraising,” he said. “This is part of our major projects fund.”
Tim Birch, 54, of Fenelton, foreground, and his partner, Jess Deitman, 35, of Punxsutawney, work on finishing a steel beam installation at the Unionville Volunteer Fire Company Wednesday. The men work for Etzel Masonry. Cary Shaffer/Butler Eagle
As it stands, the building could be completed by the end of July.
Wulff said the project was affected by supply chain issues on different levels.
“It ended up working out in our favor; the (cost of the) project we estimated last year was way more,” he said. “We waited and changed the design, and the price came down for lumber costs, so it was a little cheaper than our normal design. We’ve definitely had supply chain issues; our roof took longer than expected.”
Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Company and Adams Area Fire District have live-in firefighter programs, Wulff said, and Callery Volunteer Fire Department has a house where firefighters can reside.
The Unionville Volunteer Fire Company has 30 active members. Wulff said the addition could project the volunteer service into the future.
“The facility is designed to meet future needs. It could be adapted for a career department someday,” he said. “I think we’d like to do some sort of open house (when it’s finished) to show the community and attract some interest. It’s coming together and we’re excited about it.”
Tim Birch, 54, of Fenelton, left, and his partner, Jess Deitman, 35, of Punxatawney, far right, work on finishing a steel beam installation at the Unionville Volunteer Fire Company Wednesday. The men work for Etzel Masonry. Cary Shaffer/Butler Eagle
