Hamlin Fire Department secures
financial aid for multi-purpose building

With the help of $229,700 in loans and grants, the Hamlin Fire Department has constructed a fire training and community activity building. The new building replaces a 40-year old pavilion-style building.

A majority of the funds - $179,700 - came to the department in the form of a low interest loan from the United States Department of Agriculture.

John Deserto, fire fighter and public relations representative for the fire department, said the training area will feature a "mask confidence" maze where firemen don full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus and make their way through a maze in total darkness.

"This simulates the experience of moving through a smoke-filled structure during a fire attack or search operation," he said. "This type of training is mandatory for all interior firefighters and must be completed annually."

Prior to having their own training building, firefighters from Hamlin utilized the training facility on Scottsville Road in Rochester or the maze in Spencerport. "Having our own maze will allow us to dramatically increase our training opportunities for realistic fire attack and search operations," Deserto said.

In a press release, Congresswoman Louise Slaughter explained that the department and its personnel are responsible for the safety of 6,000 residents, businesses and farms in addition to providing mutual aid to surrounding areas that include SUNY Brockport and the Port of Rochester.

Michael Gross, president of the fire department, said for several years the department had been discussing the replacement of the old pavilion and also about the construction of a small training facility. "The building committee started meeting in early 2004 and designed a facility to accommodate community and fire department activities. The building has already been used for two events this year," he said.

The building is essentially complete other than some work which remains to be done on the restrooms and portions of the training area.

"The facility will have multiple benefits for Hamlin residents," Deserto said. "Most importantly, the improved training will make our fire attack and search operations faster, safer and more efficient. Secondly, this facility is available to rent and several event organizers are interested in holding events here, such as dog shows, recreational vehicle shows and others."

There will be an open house at the facility at the Hamlin Firehouse, 1521 Lake Road on Sunday, October 10 from noon to 2 p.m. The activities building will be open and tours will be provided.