Hamden Fire Department Opens State-of-the-Art Firehouse

The Hamden (Ohio) Fire Department held a dedication ceremony for their new station April 22, and received their first call barely an hour later. With the large exception of the state of the site, the groundbreaking and open house were uniquely similar. The similarities stemmed from unusually warm weather at each event, and the outpouring of support apparent from the large crowd of community members and neighboring departments at each ceremony.

Fire Chief Jim Beckner opened the ceremony by welcoming the community and introducing his firefighters. "I won't announce the start dates of the firefighters, last time I did that it embarrassed them when everyone figured out how old they are," Beckner stated with a smile from the podium."

Following the introductions, was an unveiling of the station bell and a plaque commemorating the event attached to the buildings. The bell has quite a unique history, first being housed in the village hall, and then remaining in storage until it was restored and placed permanently on a decorative stand outside of the new facility. HFD Association President, Larry Jayjohn and Association Treasurer Greg Beckner unveiled the bell and stand to the loud applause of the large crowd which had gathered. Vice President Doug Tussing and Secretary Hillary McManus unveiled the plaque to equal applause and the snapping of photos.

Representatives from the Gideon's organization offered a word of prayer, followed by the presentation of bibles to each firefighter and additional books to be kept at the fire station.

"We deeply appreciate the work the Gideon's provide, and the bibles," Chief Beckner stated. "It is quite fitting that the bibles recently became available in blue!"

An introduction of dignitaries by Chief Beckner with the following local officials being named in attendance" Hamden Mayor Gary Eberts and council members and fiscal officer, architects and engineers, George Mapes, Steve Benson, Judge Jeff Simmons, Sheriff Dave Hickey and Carolyn Brown, Commissioners Matt Sowers and Mike Bledsoe, Department of Development Director Ken Reed, McArthur Mayor Bobby Dodrill, McArthur Fire Chief Chuck Fri, Assistant Chief Larry Clary and various firefighters, Wellston firefighters, McArthur VFW Post #5299, VCHS Band, and Zaleski firefighter Tom

"Being Fire Chief for the last 29 years has been an honor and a privilege. The Things we have accomplished would never have happened without great people like you," Chief Beckner remarked. "I am proud to say I am the Fire Chief of the best firefighters a Chief could ever wish for." Beckner also thanked the spouses of his firefighters for allowing them the large time commitment each put into moving all needed items into the new stations, and completing all tasks necessary to prepare for both the relocation and the ceremony.

Beckner shared information on the support received from Mapes and Steve Benson, who donated time and materials to the facility project, at no cost to the department. Appreciation plaques were also presented to the Vinton County Board of Commissioners and the Department of Development for their financial assistance through grant funding on the project. Beckner also noted the immense community support through various fundraisers and the weekly bingo games, without which this project and many others would not have been possible.

"Our Fiscal Officer donated 500 cookies for us today, and her assistance along with that of the entire village government was overwhelmingly appreciated," Beckner stated.

Hamden Mayor, Gary Eberts and Commissioner Matt Sowers each gave short speeches of appreciation of the work of the Hamden Fire Department and wishing them well and continued safety in their new station. The McArthur VFW Post #5299 raised the American and Maltese Cross Fire Department flags with the VCHS Band members providing patriotic music. The site of the flags flying in the slight wind on the sunny day brought a silence to the crowd as they held their hands on their hearts and viewed the inspirational display.

A hose uncoupling, also a fire house tradition, in lieu a ribbon cutting was undertaken in front of the bay doors by firefighters and officials. Immediately following the uncoupling, the first truck was pushed in by firefighters, another long standing firefighter tradition. Chief Jim Beckner gladly accepted the steering wheel responsibilities while his firefighters made quick work of pushing the heavy engine into the awaiting bay. Dedication ceremony attendees were offered a tour of the facility, which features state of the art technology equipment and attractively designed office, kitchen, and meeting rooms. The smell of meat on the grill also added to the festive hometown gathering atmosphere as everyone was invited to grab a plate and visit with the firefighters. Assistant Chief, Chuck Boyer manned the table where children gathered to accept plastic fire helmets and other related activity books and materials.

Thankfully Chief Beckner is the "plan ahead" type, and placed engines in easy to move spaces outside of the firehouse. An apt example of the true volunteer firefighter spirit, the HFD firefighters jumped from the celebration and grabbed their bunker gear when a mutual aid call for a brush fire called them to duty within an hour of opening the new station.

While all Vinton County residents are aware, and by and large appreciative of the service of the volunteer departments, the visual image of how quickly and without thought for their personal agendas, volunteer firefighters answer the call to duty when their tones ring out from their pagers, will surely leave a lasting impression in the minds of young and old alike.