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- SOT: Click here. Plymouth Fire Chief Edward Bradley discusses the opening of the new station.
- VO: Click here. Footage of the Plymouth Fire Department opening the new station.
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PLYMOUTH — Chief Edward Bradley is pleased to report that the Plymouth Fire Department officially began working out of the new North Plymouth Station 7 this morning following a ceremony commemorating its opening.
Just prior to the 8 a.m. shift change Monday, firefighters made a ceremonial procession from the old North Plymouth station at 0 Spooner St. to the new station, located approximately 1,000 feet away at 15 Hedge Road.
A chrome fire bell from a 1960’s fire engine was rung in four rounds of 3-3-1 in recognition of Box 331 — the master box on the old station that reports any alarm activity to fire dispatch — to signify the closing of the Spooner Street station.
The Plymouth Fire Honor Guard presented an American flag to firefighters prior to the march, and the flag was raised at the new station. Plymouth Fire officials also performed a ceremonial uncoupling of fire hoses in front of the new station, a tradition in the fire services industry similar to a ribbon cutting.
Plymouth Fire Department Fire Chaplain Gary Blume also blessed the new building, fire apparatus and Plymouth Fire crews that will be working out of the station.
The new three-bay station replaces the oldest station in town, which was built in 1906.
The Town of Plymouth purchased the 2.25-acre Hedge Road site in 2017, and Town Meeting voters approved spending $7.5 million to build the new station.
The project was successfully completed by Saccoccio & Associates Architects of Cranston, Rhode Island, P&P General Contractors of Charlton, and led by Owner’s Project Manager, Pomroy Associates of East Bridgewater.
The team delivered the project to the Town of Plymouth on schedule and below the original budget.
“The former North Plymouth fire station has served us well for over 100 years, but the time has come to move to a more modern facility,” Chief Bradley said. “Plymouth Fire has had a presence in North Plymouth for hundreds of years, and it has always been an important neighborhood that has helped shape the town we know today.”
The Spooner Street station had been closed since November 2019. The new, state-of-the-art Hedge Road facility focuses on safety and preventative care of the firefighter, is equally accommodating for firefighters of all genders and is fully compliant with current ADA requirements.
The efficient design delivers 24/7 accommodations for the full-time staff and provides for effective environmental separations via negative air pressure systems to protect the staff from the elements associated with firefighting.
The facility also boasts a full decontamination room for firefighters to utilize after returning from an incident.
“From our modern kitchen and bathroom facilities to the workout room, this station is fully equipped to meet all of our needs,” Capt. Paul Alden said. “And the decontamination facilities also set the station apart. So often firefighters are washing their bedding in the same machines they use to wash their gear, which can lead to contamination through carcinogens and other hazardous materials. This new facility will keep the men and women of the Plymouth Fire Department safe during the course of our jobs and beyond.”
While the Spooner Street station was located in the heart of the North Plymouth neighborhood, firefighters still look forward to keeping a close connection with the residents they serve at the new station.
“It means a lot to be able to provide North Plymouth residents with a station that is equipped to meet the needs of a 21st Century fire department,” Deputy Chief Neil Foley said. “We look forward to this new station serving the people of North Plymouth for many years to come.”
Chief Bradley, on behalf of the entire Plymouth Fire Department, wishes to thank the Plymouth Select Board, Building Committee and Town Manager Melissa Arrighi for their continued support for the Hedge Road station project.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a formal grand opening ceremony will be held at a later date, with members of the town and residents invited to attend and tour the new facility.
A virtual tour video of the new North Plymouth Station 7 will be made available later this week.
Plymouth Fire Chief Edward Bradley speaks at the new North Plymouth Station 7, which officially began operation Monday, July 13. (Photo courtesy Plymouth Fire Department) 
An American flag is raised outside the new North Plymouth Station 7, with the Plymouth Fire Honor Guard in the background. (Photo courtesy Plymouth Fire Department) 
The Plymouth Fire Honor Guard departs the old Spooner Street station before making their way to the new station at 15 Hedge Road. (Photo courtesy Plymouth Fire Department) 
Plymouth Fire Chief Edward Bradley speaks at the old North Plymouth Station 7. As part of Monday’s ceremonies, a chrome fire bell from a 1960’s fire engine was rung in four rounds of 3-3-1 in recognition of Box 331 to signify the closing of the station. (Photo courtesy Plymouth Fire Department) 
Plymouth Fire Engine 7 and Ladder 3, outside the new Hedge Road station. (Photo courtesy Plymouth Fire Department) 
New fitness equipment will be available to firefighters at the new North Plymouth Station 7. (Photo courtesy Plymouth Fire Department) 
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