Noroton Fire Dept. project receives grant

Aug 17, 2007

In its ongoing effort to raise $1 million to upgrade its 55-year-old firehouse, the Noroton Fire Department recently received a “major boost” by way of a $15,000 grant from the First County Bank Foundation.

Fraser Head, department superintendent of alarms, told The Darien Times that the money is earmarked specifically for the department’s new kitchen, just one aspect of the project.

“This $15,000 from the bank was certainly appreciated,” he said. “We’ll be continuing our fundraising efforts.”

The new kitchen will bring the building into compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and state disaster guidelines pertaining to its use as a designated emergency operating facility.

The grant from the bank, one of 41 in the foundation’s 2007 package that totaled $500,000, was awarded to select Fairfield County not-for-profit organizations.
The awards were presented at a ceremony at the bank’s Stamford branch on June 11.

Since the station was first built in 1954 and expanded in 1968, the fire department’s services as well as the size of its equipment have increased to match the growing needs of the community. Similarly, the plan asserts that an expansion would allow the department to meet current demands and future growth.

The upgrade involves a 378-square-foot first floor addition to the building’s northeast corner, which would include a new entry foyer, elevator and elevator machine room and a small storage space.

On the second floor, a 1,974-foot addition above the one-story addition built in 1968 along the rear of the building would provide space for a new elevator lobby, elevator, the relocated day room for volunteers and a larger kitchen.

“We still have other things we’re working on and still plan to remain on schedule for the end of the year,” Head said.

Department Chief Mike Vitti said that they recently sent the project out to bid and expect the bids back by Aug. 30. They would like to have all the money raised, but even if they don’t have the full $1 million Vitti still expects to break ground within the next few months.

“We’re getting there, we’re over a third of the way there,” Vitti said. “It’s slow, but the donations are coming in. And even if they’re not monetary, they still help a lot, whether it’s carpeting or any specific part of the project.”

All contributions, both private and commercial, are still being accepted.

More information about how to donate can be found at norotonfd.org.

E-mail Darien Times reporter Austin Amoroso at aamoroso@darientimes.com.