State Sen. Andy Dinniman visited Keystone Valley Fire Department to kick off the organization’s capital campaign to build a new station in downtown Parkesburg. Pictured (from left to right): Assistant Fire Chief Richard Klinger, Fire Chief Robert Cazillo, Senator Dinniman, and Stephanie Klinger, firefighter and member of the Executive Board of Directors.
PARKESBURG – State Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-9) recently visited the Keystone Valley Fire Department (KVFD) to mark the kickoff of the department’s Capital Fundraising Campaign to renovate and rebuild its station in downtown Parkesburg.
“Chester County is home to some of the best and most well-trained firefighters and emergency first responders in the nation, and it’s great to see fire companies working cooperatively and banding together regionally to survive and thrive locally,” Dinniman said.
Dinniman, who serves on the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, also agreed to join the KVFD Capital Campaign Committee at the request of its members.
“We are excited to have Senator Dinniman on our team,” KVFD Fire Chief Robby Cazillo said. “This is not only a crucial project for the Keystone Valley Fire Department, but also for the fire district and our entire community.”
KVFD began operations in the spring of 2013 by consolidating the Atglen Fire Company, Parkesburg Fire Company No. 1 and Pomeroy Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. The new, regional department aims to increase efficiency and reduce redundant services to streamline fire and emergency coverage and better spend taxpayer dollars.
KVFD’s main station, located at 329 West First Ave., has been in use for more than 80 years and is in need of significant upgrades and improvements to meet current standards for the latest emergency response equipment and apparatus.
The department is planning a complete overhaul and renovation of the facility, including gutting the existing administrative offices to bring them up to modern-day ADA and code requirements. In addition, the engine bay will be completely demolished and reconstructed due to failing foundation, and new, wider apparatus bays and doors will be built to accommodate six vehicles total.
As part of the renovation, KVFD has partnered with the Parkesburg V.F.W. to build a memorial to commemorate local veterans who perished in all major conflicts, the Sept. 11 attacks, and local firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“The Keystone Valley Fire Department, its members, patrons, and supporters are to be commended for working together to preserve and improve fire and emergency services for the region,” Dinniman said. “The new station will be a key landmark in downtown Parkesburg, an indispensable institution within the larger community, and a centerpiece for the ongoing revitalization of the local business district.”
The entire project is estimated to cost approximately $3 million, and the department is currently seeking tax-deductible contributions to offset the cost. Dinniman said he also plans to work in Harrisburg to explore grant-funding opportunities to support the new station.
For more information, visit www.kvfd8.com.
