PLYMOUTH — Richard Metzger had a “once-in-a-career” moment Thursday morning.
Chief of the Plymouth Fire Department, Metzger was emotional as he spoke during a groundbreaking ceremony for his department’s new station at 184 Sandusky St.
“This is not only a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me, but a once-in-a-career opportunity to stand here before you,” he said.
“Two years ago, if you would’ve asked me if I would be standing here for a groundbreaking ceremony for a new fire station, I would’ve probably laughed at you,” Metzger admitted.
Everything changed in 2022, when the chief was contacted by the late Grant Milliron.
Back in May, Metzger announced Milliron decided to partner with Plymouth and provide a donation for the replacement of the current fire station on Portner Street.
The Milliron Foundation gifted Plymouth $2.8 million toward the new station — estimated to cost around $3.4 million.
“Karl (Milliron) knew the importance of this project to his father (Grant) and he and the foundation took that seed that was planted and watered it,” Metzger said. “They nurtured it and carefully took care of it, to be sure that it would sprout.”
No taxpayer dollars necessary for new firehouse
In June, State Sen. Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario) announced the investment of millions from the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund.
Five projects from Senate District 22 were awarded funds — including $600,000 toward the new Plymouth fire station.
Between the Milliron Foundation donation and OTSCIF funds, construction costs for the firehouse have been fully funded — leaving “no burden” to village taxpayers.
Plymouth Mayor Cassaundra Fryman thanked the Milliron family, Simonson Construction, Village Council and the village’s firefighters, among others Thursday.
“It speaks volumes (Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony attendance) to how excited our community is about this new fire station,” she said.
“I cannot think of more worthy benefactors to bestow this (new station) upon than them (firefighters),” Fryman said, thanking firefighters for their service to the village.
The Milliron Foundation, Village of Plymouth and its fire department are working on the project with Ashland-based Simonson Construction Services.
Fryman said construction at 184 Sandusky St. could begin as early as Monday.
New 11,000 square-foot facility addresses future needs
The new station design addresses future needs of the department — nearly doubling the size of the current station at 20 Portner St.
Four drive-through apparatus bays are included in the plans for the new 11,600 square-foot facility, as well as a 1,000 square-foot mezzanine for mechanical equipment, storage and fire and rescue training.
A community room and museum are also planned, which will become the permanent home of Plymouth’s original 1929 Model-A fire engine.
The firehouse will have accommodations 24/7 for up to three firefighters, with the ability to support six additional in the future. Truck bays will be separated from living quarters in the new four-bay, eight-truck facility.
It will come finished with wall, floor and window treatments, but furnishing the station will be the department’s responsibility. The Plymouth Volunteer Firefighter’s Association currently has a goal set to raise $70,000 to help with this effort.
In a letter to community members and area businesses, Calvin Redden, treasurer of the association, wrote donations can be made by mail to Post Office Box 23, Plymouth, Ohio 44865 or by contacting any member of the department.
Any questions regarding the year-long fundraising effort may be emailed to plymouthfireassoc@yahoo.com.
(Below are photos taken Thursday morning during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Plymouth Fire Department’s new firehouse, located at 184 Sandusky St.)
