(Washington, DC) City leaders, residents, and firefighters joined together today to celebrate the reopening of the historic Engine 17 firehouse, located at 1227 Monroe Street, NE.
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Interim Fire/EMS Chief Brian K. Lee cut a red ribbon signaling to the community that the firehouse is back serving the Brookland community - as it has for more than a century.
“This is not just a ribbon cutting,” said Interim Fire/EMS Chief Brian Lee. “This is a celebration of all that is good and progressive in this department and our city.”
Originally built in 1902, when horse-drawn wagons carrying steam pumpers responded to fires, Engine 17 was closed in August of 2005 so that a complete renovation of the station could take place. A year-and-a-half later, the firehouse has undergone dramatic modernization. Among the improvements: a state-of-the-art fiber optic communications system, a vehicle exhaust ventilation system, and a new kitchen and living quarters for firefighters. While the renovation was in progress, firefighters and EMTs assigned to the station shared quarters with Engine 14, located at 4801 North Capitol Street, Northeast. Though never far away from their first-due area, the firefighters who call Engine 17 home are happy to be back in Brookland where they belong.
“Our firehouses are much more than buildings,” Chief Lee. “They are monuments to our proud past. We are engaged in an aggressive program to upgrade and renovate all of our cherished firehouses.”
Two city firehouses have been completely restored in the past year. Two others are under renovation now. And two others are set to begin renovation projects within six months. City designers worked very closely with the community in preserving the historical integrity of Engine 17 while upgrading the facility to a state-of-the-art firehouse. Even the brass pole installed more than a century ago was preserved. Ward 5 Councilman Harry Thomas Jr. also attended the event.
Renovations to the building itself have provided a deeper engine bay to make room for an additional Medic unit, which is already in service.
Captain Timothy Redington, the officer in charge of the engine company, looks forward to interacting with the community and being involved.
“It’s a great feeling being able to be a part of this re-opening,” said Captain Redington. “Our neighbors have been so supportive, and this company is ready to be part of this community again.”