Grant County Fire District 8 to have open house at new station

MATTAWA — Residents will get a chance to look at the new station for Grant County Fire District 8 at 2043 Road 22.5 SW during an open house scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 11.

GCFD8 Chief Joe Noonchester said the day will begin with a commission meeting and a ceremony to swear in one newly hired full-time firefighter, as well as the five full-time firefighters previously employed by the district. Noonchester also will swear in two new battalion chiefs, both of whom are volunteers with the district.

The swearing-in ceremony will be followed by the dedication of a new ambulance, which includes the tradition in the fire service of the crew pushing in the new vehicle.

Lunch will be served after the ceremonies and the station will be open for tours until 5 p.m., Noonchester said.

The new fire station, about 18,000 square feet, opened in July. It has room for more fire equipment than the old location at 510 Government Road in downtown Mattawa. There’s also living space so firefighters can stay at the station during their shifts.

Fire district business manager and secretary Barbara Davis said in an earlier interview the total project cost was about $6 million.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at cschweizer@columbiabasinherald.com.