Unaka – The Unaka Volunteer Fire Department celebrated the grand opening of its new station Saturday after 90 days of reconstruction that began in May.
The station was originally two bays, according to volunteer Dave Sutton, and the building had started to rust. The new station has four bays, with enough room to store the department’s engine, tanker, brush truck and medical response truck.
Jim Brown, chair of the board, said they had been raising money for more than 10 years, and the grand total at the time of the opening was $22,378. They continue raising money to finish the side that will include a conference room and restroom. Local residents also donated land to accommodate the new fire station and add a well to the property.
The event took place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and was open to all members of the community. It included food, live music by Dorothy Roberts Smith and Dan Hastings, a dedication ceremony, activities for kids, opportunities for new volunteers and a silent auction to raise money for future updates. The silent auction included items such as kitchen appliances, artwork, handmade furniture and rugs, which was able to raise another $1,200.
During the dedication ceremony, Lewis Jones, a founding volunteer member of the fire department, thanked the community for their kindness and efforts.
“Unaka has come a long way thanks to the community,” he said.
Over the years, the fire department has hosted dinners, boot drives and invested members’ own money into building a new station.
Ann Lukens emphasized the need for more volunteers.
“You may not feel you can do the physical work, but there’s a place and job for everyone here,” she said, describing the need for volunteers to direct traffic, input data after calls, drive the trucks and more.
Fire Chief Joe Ricker shared this sentiment and encouraged potential volunteers to come to the station.
“I’m overwhelmed with gratitude,” he said. “I think I have the easiest chief job in the area because of our volunteers.”
Those looking to donate to help the fire department finish renovations can bring them to the Unaka Volunteer Fire Department or mail to 15105 Joe Brown Highway, Murphy, NC, 28906. If you’re looking for volunteer firefighter opportunities, Ricker encourages you to come to the station; the state of North Carolina covers all costs of training.