WHEELING, W.Va. — The Wheeling Fire Department is finally moving into a new, state-of-the-art facility.
The city cut the ribbon for its new headquarter building Wednesday.
The new building, which is located at 1700 Wood Street, is a $9 million, nearly 25,000-square-foot structure. It replaces the old headquarter building in Center Wheeling that was demolished last year. It had been where the department worked out of since 1978.
In the time between the former building demolition and Wednesday, the administrative offices were relocated to the former B.J. Sumner Jones Armory Reserve Center in Clator, while suppression crews were temporarily reassigned to other stations throughout the city.
Fire Chief Jim Blazier says this the new space was much needed.
“This new facility is not just a building, it’s a long-term investment in our community’s safety. The design and layout give our team the tools they need to train, rest, and respond quickly to emergencies. I am grateful to everyone who has kept this project going over the last several years,” Blazier said.
The new structure offers decontamination and enhanced firefighting safety area, a hose drying and training tower, a large training room, a fitness center, offices for staff, and bunk rooms for on-duty firefighters.
“Today’s ribbon cutting marks more than the opening of a new building, it represents progress, pride, and a continued commitment to the people of Wheeling,” Mayor Denny Magruder said Wednesday. “This headquarters stands as a symbol of the trust we place in our fire department and the promise that our city will always invest in the safety and well-being of our residents.”
The Wheeling Fire Department will host an open house for the new headquarter building next Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.