This new community building behind the Hamlin Fire House was built during the summer of 2004. It replaces a long wooden shed used for the firemen's carnival. This year it will be used for the Wheel Fest and other community events. The Fire Department uses the second floor on the eastern end for training purposes. Photograph by Walter Horylev.

Fire Lieutenant Adam Barker is shown at work in the new Captains and Lieutenants Office, an area built up in the vehicle storage portion of the old building. Photograph by Walter Horylev.

The exercise room contains equipment purchased with funds provided by a FEMA grant.

The new Chief's Office. The Fire Chief, Deputy Chief and Assistant Chief have space in this room. This area and other additions to the old building were completed in May 2004, financed by a $450,000 bond. Photographs by Walter Horylev.

Hamlin makes firehouse a home

The Hamlin Fire House is currently completing a $1 million makeover to better prepare firefighters and to create a stronger sense of community among the volunteers.

Bill Kirchgessner, Fire Commissioner and Second Vice President of the Monroe County Fire District Officers Association, helped oversee the renovation, which included the addition of a physical fitness center, more office space, a new lounge and cafeteria, a bunk room, new phone system, fire sprinklers throughout the building, and a significantly updated training room.

Kirchgessner said the renovations were made possible through the careful fiscal planning of the district, as to avoid the need for any increase in taxpayer contributions.

Chief Daryl V. Prince sees the improvements as vital for maintaining the viability of the service. Prince, who has served the Hamlin Fire Department for 41 years, comes from a long line of firefighters. His father served as chief, his mother and wife both served as dispatchers and all three of the brothers are also firefighters. However, Prince's children were not interested. Prince said his friends at the firehouse are seeing the same trend.

Prince said he hopes the renovations will encourage new volunteers. He would like to add about 10 more recruits to the staff of about 45. Prince said the initial impact has been positive.

"I think there has been a little more interest among the younger guys," he said. Hamlin firefighters now have space to hang out and things to do, including a pool table and a big screen television (that was donated).

Encouraging new members isn't the only goal. Prince said the amenities will encourage firefighters to stay around the fire house longer and hopefully overnight, thus improving response time.

"Staying overnight will especially be helpful in stormy weather," Prince said.

With the numbers Hamlin currently has, Prince said the turnout to day calls can sometimes be sparse.

"On occasion I've been the only one to turn out for an EMS call," he said.

Prince said he hopes that the renovations and other efforts will boost interest in the community. Otherwise, the alternative could be costly. "The answer to a failed volunteer department is a paid fire department. That would be really costly," Prince said.