Summit Fire Company to get a little larger

Staff Writer

By takesha pettus

Summit Fire Company
to get a little larger

SOUTH RIVER — The Summit Fire Company is planning to expand its building.

According to Fire Chief Ron Krusius, the expansion of the George Street building is needed in order to house a brush truck that was given to the squad earlier this year.

But the expansion is needed for other reasons as well, Krusius said. Not only does the squad house lack space for the additional truck, there isn’t enough room currently for office space to serve many of the fire officials.

Also, with the squad leaving the truck outside, there is the risk it could be damaged.

"We already had a squirrel eat through the gas line," said Krusius.

According to Krusius, the fire department has been working on preliminary plans to expand the facility for some time now.

In June, Krusius said, they began working on plans for the project. He sent out letters to local businesses, and fire members went door to door throughout town seeking funds.

Much of the work will be paid for with the $1,500 donated from residents and the $15,000 from ECHO Clothing Co., based in South River. Many businesses are doing work on the building free of charge.

According to Krusius, the survey and specifications for the project were done free of charge by CME Associates and by South River architect Jack Herrick. Gold Star Construction and Z&C Framing and Siding have donated toward the project, Krusius added.

The project is expected create a 20-by-411/2-foot extension onto the right side of the fire house. There will be a 20-by-20 foot garage addition, as well as an office for the squad’s captain and lieutenant. Finally, the new addition will provide squad members with a 12-by-20-foot equipment and training room facility.

The squad hopes to break ground on the new addition sometime this week.

Late last month, representatives for the squad went before the borough’s Planning Board and received approval for the expansion.

Donations are still being accepted, Krusius said.

Anyone interested in donating may send checks to the attention of the Building Fund at the South River Fire Department, P.O. Box 214, South River 08882.