The second phase of a two-phase remodeling project at Ruidoso Fire Station No. 2 on White Mountain Drive should be underway next week, said Fire Chief Cody Thetford.
The renovation will ensure effective fire protection coverage for the village 24 hours a day, seven days a week, he said.
“We started the project in 2016,” he said. “The building was put up in the mid to late 70s or about 1980, I’m not sure. It’s old and has been updated. But our services, the department and the village have grown over last 30 to 40 years, so we are trying to build for the future and update it to a nicer facility that these guys can work and live out of 24-7 and that’s what we did.”
The first phase focused on the residential side of the building, Thetford said.
“It’s beautiful and up to date,” he said. “White Sands Construction out of Alamogordo got the contract, and they finished phase one. We put in a wood stove, so if we have power outages or other issues, they can still keep warm. We’re trying to be efficient.”
Washer and dryer facilities were installed “so when they are on these bad calls (when chemical and other substances may be involved), they don’t have to take the stuff home," the chief said.
The first phase began in July 2018 and was finished by October last year.
The second phase is tied to the bays of the fire station.
“Our trucks have gotten bigger over last 40 years, and our garage really has been used and needed some help," Thetford said. "We’ll get floors, drainage and doors (sized for the larger fire engines) and ones that are reliable, so we’re not always working on them and manually opening doors.”
Plans call for rock and stucco on the outside of the building and to install new lighting and insulation, Thetford said.
“We’re going to do it all. It is going to be top notch and much needed after 40 years working out of there,” he said.
A crew of two firefighters usually man the station at 606 White Mountain Drive, but it can accommodate three in case the department is able to hire another person or obtains volunteers, the chief said.
Construction by White Sands, which was awarded a $283,008.91 contract, should begin by Aug. 12 and wrap up before Oct. 20, he said.
“I appreciate the village and community and everybody supporting us,” he said. “This is much needed and the service will continue, and we’ll do the best we can 24-7. We are here for this community at all times.”
Commenting on the project, Village Manager Debi Lee said, “Exceptional fire personnel now have a nice place to work. Chief Thetford coordinated all this effort with additional funding other than General Fund.”
The project is budgeted in the Fire Protection Special Revenue Fund, Capital Projects line item, Lee pointed out. The work will be completed by White Sands Construction through a Cooperative Educational Services (purchasing cooperative) contract.
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