Safety critical component at new Lakeville fire station

LAKEVILLE -- The new Lakeville fire station will be a life changer for the town, Fire Chief Michael O’Brien said.

Literally.

“It’s less about the building and more about what the building can do,’’ the chief said of the structure, which is currently under construction at 346 Bedford St.

And what the building can and will do, he said, is save lives.

In an emergency, minutes count. At the current site, at least a minute can be lost as the department responds to a call, the chief said

Only an inch of clearance between fire apparatus and the walls exists at the current station, which was built in 1949, when engines were smaller.This tight space requires a careful, guided exit to avoid striking the walls, an effort that can take a minute to accomplish.

That minute can make a profound difference to an ailing resident, he said.

“If someone is unstable, a minute can mean death,’’ he said. “The faster we get there, the more lives we save.’’

Plans for the new site ensured this would not be a problem. The new bay area can accommodate three engines, a tanker, three ambulances, a brush truck, a ladder truck two boats and two trailers and a utility vehicle. 

These vehicles will be able to move quickly out of the building, with no extra time needed.

Firefighter lives can also be saved through other elements of the new building, he said. 

The building will include a specialized shower that can be used to clean off biohazards such bodily fluids including blood and other contaminants, the chief said.

“Every time there’s a fire you’re exposed to carcinogenics,’’ he said. Having a shower and room to change on the first floor, O’Brien explained, reduces chances of tracking hazardous materials into the second floor living spaces.

Currently the same shower designated for basic hygiene is also used to clear hazardous materials and is located in the area where firefighters spend time when not on calls.

The project is coming in under budget and on time, he said. The construction cost had been estimated at $17 million but the winning bid was more than $5 million lower at $11.5 million.

The chief will advocate for the construction of a training building in the rear to be funded by some of the saved money. Although he said the ultimate goal is to return as much money as possible back to taxpayers, if there is an opportunity to add value to the project, the town will consider it on a “case by case basis.’’

An on-site training center will allow the town to save the money spent using off-site locations, as is currently done, O’Brien said. This will also allow on-duty firefighters to train and keep their skills sharp, he noted, while also being able to break away if a call comes in.

This added training center will not be built, he noted, without approval from the building committee and the select board.

The new station will be a green project, he said. The station will powered strictly by electricity, with original plans for some propane use scrapped.

A self-contained drainage system will ensure that no hazardous materials will leave the building, he said.

All of these elements, he said, will make the new building safer and healthier.

This provides what the chief described as an intangible benefit. Having a more appealing work space will likely allow the department to retain more employees and attract strong candidates.

Keeping motorists safe while driving near the station is also an issue, he said. O’Brien is hoping the state will agree to lower the speed limit in front of the building. Right now that speed limit is  50 miles per hour

In a move he acknowledged not everyone agrees with, he opposes having a traffic light in front of the station that would turn red only when the department is leaving for a call.

Because this light would not be illuminated on a regular basis, drivers will not be expecting it and accidents would be more likely, he said.

Instead, he supports the lowered speed limit combined with strong signage indicating the station’s location.

At the current location, the chief noted with a chuckle, “we have a duck crossing sign.’’

As he walked through the larger, more firefighter-friendly building, O’Brien thanked members of the station building committee, which oversees the work, and noted that he has never been involved in planning a new station before.

“This is going to be a significant change for us,’’ chief said. “I can’t believe it’s finally happening.’’