About 100 people attended dedication ceremonies on Saturday, August 20, for the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company's newly expanded fire substation at 249 Berkshire Road (Route 34).

Kevin Cragin, a member of the Board of Fire Commissioners, served as master of ceremonies at a program held inside the spacious garage, which was built in the expansion project.

Sandy Hook firefighters and the Ladies Auxiliary listened as several speakers commented on the project to improve local fire facilities. Several dozen civilians watched as awards were presented to those who aided the fire company with the construction project. The project more than doubled the size of the fire station.

Firefighters dedicated the substation's expansion/modernization project to the late Richard "Porky" Andrews. Mr Andrews died in 2014. A plaque in his honor is displayed on the building, noting his years of service to the fire company, including the construction of the substation in 1967.

The project provides the fire company with a modern facility to better house a fire pumper truck (Engine 442) and a cargo trailer that carries absorbent materials used at fluid spill emergencies. Engine 442 is the fire company's "first response" vehicle for emergencies along the Berkshire Road corridor in the area between Zoar Road and the Monroe town line, Chief Halstead noted.

The new 2,000-square-foot garage containing two bays has a driveway that connects it to Nighthawk Lane. Fire vehicles will thus enter and exit the site at Nighthawk Lane. Formerly, they entered and exited at Berkshire Road. The $400,000 project was covered by $375,000 in town capital improvement funds and $25,000 in fire company spending.

Space at the substation that was formerly used for fire vehicle storage has been renovated and now serves as an office, day room, kitchenette, a shower, a second rest room, and auxiliary storage space.

Sandy Hook is the only fire company with two firehouses. Its main station is at 18 Riverside Road.