The South New Berlin Fire House celebrated the opening of it's new facility which includes major upgrades such as increased fire equipment storage, dedicated meeting areas, and adequate apparatus parking for fire equipment. (Photo by Catherine Sasso)

SOUTH NEW BERLIN – On September 26 the South New Berlin Fire District members and volunteers celebrated the completion and opening of the new fire house.

According to Board of Commissioners and Chairman Sam Gainfort, the project was done in just over six months and cost about $1.3 million dollars to renovate.

The fire house was renovated from the old Valley Supply company building and was done with aid from all the fire district volunteers and members.

“The only community organizations that helped with renovation of the building was the members of the department whom put in countless hours of time in return saved the taxpayers approximately $ 70,000 dollars. Also Barnes Bluestone and counter tops donated the counter tops in the kitchen and event hall,” said Fire Chief Kevin Christian.

"South New Berlin needed a new fire house mostly because the old one had safety issues and the volunteers just outgrew the old one," said Gainfort.

Additionally, Gainfort said they wanted a building that had longevity and could be used for upcoming generations.