New Smyrna Beach Observer  

Wednesday, 07 October 2009

By Robert Burns

EDGEWATER – With a grin on her face and a giant check for more than a million dollars in one hand, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Kosmas reached out with her other hand - to shake Lt. Dan Ruth’s hand. “Congratulations on receiving this grant money from FEMA through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,” said Rep. Kosmas. Lt. Ruth was the officer in charge of writing the grant. The total sum is $1,141,357.

“This money will go a long way toward completely overhauling this fire station,” said Edgewater Fire Chief Steve Cousins. Taking the congresswoman and press members for a tour through the 50-year-old structure, Chief Cousins explained why Edgewater really needed the federal grant — on so many levels.

“When this building was put up, we had a smaller population and far fewer firefighters, so we need more operating and living space,” said Chief Cousins. “Also, equipment was smaller back then. The trucks have grown – unfortunately, our bays haven’t.”

Outside of the building, surveying the situation, Edgewater Mayor Mike Thomas is proud of his department for being able to generate this kind of funding. “We just went through the budget process, and we surely didn’t have the funds to do this complete renovation.”

Mayor Thomas pointed out another problem with the older structure. “This fire station was built before we had the kind of wind codes we have today to withstand a hurricane. Right now, we have to evacuate our fire department, that’s not the way it should be.”

The future station is projected to have approximately the same footprint and amenities as New Smyrna Beach’s new beachside fire station on 3rd Avenue.

Mayor Thomas pledged that the project will be started as soon as possible. With a chuckle, Chief Cousins said, “We’ll be buying the shovels to begin this project before the week is out.”

“Jobs, jobs, jobs,” said Rep. Kosmas with a smile. “This is a huge win, win, win for everyone. It is not only great for Edgewater’s Fire Service Crews, it’s also great for our local emergency response capacity, and the jobs it will generate will be wonderful for our area’s economy.”

This was only the first round of grants being awarded. Many more millions will be parceled-out to worthy projects before year’s end.

“We have a lot to be proud of,” said City Manager Tracey Barlow. “This was only one of five grants given to fire departments in the State of Florida. I’m proud of the job our people do – whether it’s putting out fires, or finding ways to provide better, cost-effective service.”

(New Smyrna Beach Observer)