Wooster’s Fire Station No. 1 back in business again

Since 1962 Wooster’s Fire Station No. 1 has faithfully served the community in times of need. However, after 60 years the building was due for a makeover, and renovations began in 2022.

Those renovations were recently completed, and Station No. 1 was welcomed back into service with a hose uncoupling, a fire station’s version of a ribbon cutting, and an open house.

According to Wooster Fire Chief Barry Saley, Station No. 1 will be the primary operations and administrative headquarters, and staff will return from their temporary accommodations at the Safety Center on Burbank Road and also at facilities on Mechanicsburg Road.

“The old station wasn’t built for the needs of the current fire service,” Saley said. “This puts us back in closer proximity to our highest call volume. Our ability to respond is greatly enhanced, and the renovations allow us to expand when needed in the future.”

Saley said calls to the station increase approximately 4% yearly, and space is needed to expand to handle the growing number of calls.

The renovation was not just about aesthetics; it was a transformative upgrade that enhanced emergency response capabilities. With an eye toward modernization and efficiency, the station has technology and design innovations that bolster firefighters’ ability to serve the community more effectively than before.

While the renovations provide many modern amenities, the design also includes a training tower that will save taxpayers money.

“The addition of the onsite training tower is a huge benefit,” Saley said. “Now we can conduct training onsite. Now we can provide that training right here at the station at a cost savings.”

The evolution of fire stations reflects advancements in firefighting technology, tactics and the changing dynamics of communities. Today’s fire stations are designed with a focus on efficiency, community integration and advanced safety protocols.

With the renovations now complete, Fire Station No. 1, a safety and security beacon, has been restored with a renewed commitment to service.

Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.