ORANGEVILLE - A local church donated $6,000 to help the Orangeville Fire Department get a much-needed addition to the fire station.
John Benigas, pastor of Orangeville United Methodist Church, said the fire department needs an addition for fire trucks and also a community meeting room.
Fire Chief Larry Foltz said the fire truck used by the department stays at the home of one of the firefighters. The department's original fire truck, built in Sharpsville, Pa., is kept at the current building, which is limited on space.
Foltz said the 16-foot addition will include three bays, and a community room and hall.
"We hope to have this up and insulated by winter. The $6,000 will help us finish the project," he said of the project that started last spring.
Foltz said as trucks have gotten bigger, the station can no longer house them all. He said the fire department building can only hold one truck.
Twelve volunteers are doing the actual construction work, and Kerfoot Masonary of Burghill is laying the block work.
"The donation is helping us with costs to put the foundation in," Foltz said.
Foltz said work will prevent water from entering the building, which was often a problem at the current station.
"We appreciate the help they give to the community. Every time that bell goes off they put their lives on the line," Benigas said.
Foltz said that since 2006, the department has worked to get a loan and later was able to get some funds for the project.
He said the community hall to be built by the fire bays can be used by residents for parties, graduations and other events.
Foltz said additional parking space will be added.
He said any community members who want to help with the construction is welcome.
Donations for the project can be sent to the fire department, P.O. Box 152, Orangeville, OH 44453.