Volunteer firefighters with Community Fire Company of New Tripoli welcomed members of the community to an open house June 23, so area residents could view the new building and marvel at the facility.

By all accounts, neighbors were duly impressed by the spacious new station that houses fire trucks, related vehicles and even a Cetronia ambulance.

“We had the rooms open and did tours of the building, and there were hot dogs and cake.” said Dana Christ, Fire Chief Peter Christ’s wife,

The facility now has larger office space, meeting rooms and a kitchen.

There is even an industrial washer for firefighters to use.

“Before, we were washing fire gear in our washing machines at home,” she said.

A room dedicated for the ambulance corps includes two beds.

“There’s somebody here from the ambulance corps every day, so they were thrilled,” she added.

EMT Jenna Littmann said the ambulance can respond “within 60 to 90 seconds,” depending on how far from the New Tripoli station the house is.

The fire company serves Lynn, Lowhill and Weisenberg townships.

“Weisenberg station and New Tripoli always balance each other out,” said Dana Christ.

In keeping with family tradition, Hannah Christ and sister, Amber Hamm both volunteer at the fire company.

“Hannah just completed a ropes and rigging class,” said her mother.

The addition comes at a cost but the firefighters say a mortgage is worth paying considering all the improvements.

“It was a decent building, but It was undersized from day one,” said Bruce Dalrymple.

“There was no personal gear storage. Guys were getting dressed near moving trucks.”

The newly repainted main hall is a source of revenue and remains available for special occasions.

“There are only 10 available days for the rest of this year,” said Dana Christ, adding rental fees are another source of revenue for the fire company.

Despite all the changes, the fire company has its eye on the future.

Next year, the New Tripoli Fire Company will celebrate its 75th anniversary. The all-volunteer fire company was incorporated on May 24, 1945.