Rededication Ceremony Held Saturday
During Saturday’s Heritage Days festivities, another celebration was taking place just a few blocks west of Chandler Park. Macomb Fire Station One celebrated its 50th year in its present location at 219 W. Jackson St. with a special rededication ceremony and open house.
Macomb Fire Station One was officially dedicated in March 1976. Two years prior, the Macomb City Council approved the construction for the new facility. When the fire department began, it was housed in numerous locations throughout town, including temporary quarters Turner Barn, 228 S. Lafayette St. from 1912, until the department moved into a new facility in 1913 at 219-21 W. Jackson St. When the new station opened in 1976, it replaced the original building, which is now a small park area directly to the west of Fire Station One. “Fifty years ago, this building was dedicated as the new home of the Macomb Fire Department.
Many people gathered here with a sense of pride and excitement. Fifty years later, we gather for many of the same reasons,” said Chief Dan Meyer at Saturday’s ceremony. “This station was a dream for Chief Herb Pollock. The story of this station is really the story of the people within these walls. Buildings are important, but the firefighters, officers and support personnel are who give it purpose.
Over the past 50 years, thousands of calls for help have been answered. But this station is more than just emergency calls. It is where firefighters have learned their craft, where friendships have been formed and where lifelong careers began.”
Mayor Mike Inman echoes Meyer’s comments regarding the women and men who have served over the years, and the pride the City of Macomb places on its emergency personnel.
“I could not be more proud of Chief Meyer for his leadership, and the retirees here today, the city sincerely thanks you for the dedication and commitment you provided over the years,” Inman added. “And those who currently serve, we are very proud of, and grateful, for you.”
To conclude Saturday’s event, Rep. Dan Swanson presented a letter of recognition from the 104th General Assembly of the Illinois House of Representatives honoring the 50-year celebration and rededication of Fire Station One.
“We’ve talked about the service and dedication here, and that’s on this certificate. But I want to talk about the back of the certificate, what we don’t see. I see the young people here, the children, the spouses, and I see the sacrifices made by those who work here,” Swanson pointed out. “When you miss that birthday party or event, that’s the dedication we talk about and we might take for granted when we really shouldn’t. We’re so blessed to have men and women like you who go out and do this job and take care of us.”
