Although work has been underway for several weeks for the new fire station at Community Fire Company 17, New Tripoli, the important milestone for the community and for firefighters was marked by an official groundbreaking on July 12.

State Rep. Gary Day, R-187th, oversaw the festivities, gathering New Tripoli Fire Company members President Bruce Dalrymple, Vice President and Engineer Scott Koenig, Safety Officer Donald Christ and New Tripoli Bank officials, including CEO David Hunsicker and Chief Lending Officer John Hayes, Jerdon Construction crew members and owner Ron Jerdon to memorialize the first toss of dirt.

“The new fire station is well-needed in the community,” Day said. “Five years in the planning, it is an economic project for the community and will serve the fire company’s needs.”

Dalrymple said the new building is needed to house the fire trucks.

“We ran out of room in the building,” Dalrymple said. “We worked a long time to get financing, with the help of the New Tripoli Bank and contributions we are here.”

Lynn Supervisor Justin Smith told those gathered the township completed a fire study a few years ago to see what the fire company needed.

“We saw a need for updating the station,” Smith explained.

Local government liaison, Matt Szuchyt from the office of state Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, importantly noted rural communities are served by volunteer firefighters.

“It’s a good day for Lynn Township and for its residents,” Szuchyt said. “ The system [firefighting] relies on volunteers. They are doing this for love of community.”

Szuchyt noted the fire company received a $250,000 grant for operations via the efforts of Browne and Day.

“I am looking forward to the ribbon cutting in the fall,” Szuchyt said in closing his presentation.

Hunsicker explained the New Tripoli Bank previously gave $100,000 to the fire company.

“I am proud to be here today,” Hunsicker said.

“The fire company is the root of this community. I can’t wait until the firefighters get into the new building. It will be a real asset to the community.”

Day then gave kudos to New Tripoli Bank for helping the community for its donation and financing of the project.

“It gets a good bang for its buck,” Day said.

Jerdon, a New Tripoli resident, said from living in the area he sees first-hand the services the fire company provides.

“We worked three years doing the design and putting budgets together,” Jerdon said.

Day closed the presentation by sending out a request for additional donations from the community.

“The process is done,” Day said. “We have funding from two large organizations. Now, the community plays a role for funding.

“Let’s make the funding thermometer (next to the fire station) move up.

“Donations will be greatly appreciated.”