Newest island jewel: Madrona Fire Station

Funded by a voter-approved facilities bond, the new $4.7 million station has three bays, and is designed to house five firefighters: a threeperson engine crew and a two-person aid crew. It also has a spacious public meeting room for use by citizen groups. PHOTO BY JEREMIAH O On Saturday, Sept. 11, Camano Island Fire and Rescue (CIFR) invites the community to commemorate the disastrous loss of life and honor the men and women who selflessly served their country in the days surrounding 9-11.

The event will begin at 11 a.m., at the new Madrona station, with an invocation by Chaplain Ralph Fry. The Stanwood-Camano Honor Guard will present the colors, followed by a bell ceremony before the ribbon cutting and dedication of the new station at noon.

CIFR is dedicating the station to men and women whose service has been an inspiring example of selflessness, particularly those who gave their lives nine years ago.

The new Madrona/Vista fire station, located at 273 N. West Camano Drive, will be dedicated in a community open house on Sept. 11, beginning at 11 a.m. PHOTO BY JEREMIAH O Following the dedication, the community is welcome to stay for an open house. Firefighters, chiefs and commissioners will lead tours of the station. Food and beverages are provided, and there will be plenty for kids to do, too, including engine rides and a bouncy house.

“We’re very excited about the new station,” said Levon Yengoyan, assistant chief. “It’s the first new station on the island in a long time.”

Yengoyan said the district is grateful to have the funds to build the station in this economy, and credited the community for its support.

The station is the result of a facilities bond passed in 2007, which set aside money dedicated to upgrading the district’s fire stations. Design and permitting were completed in 2008, and construction began last October. Local architectural firm Designs Northwest planned the project, which was put out for a bid from governmentn approved contractors. Powell Construction placed the winning bid.

The old Madrona station has served the community well for many years, Yengoyan said, and the district plans for the new building to do the same.

Looking to the future, Yengoyan said, the district will use the rest of its bond to remodel the station at Terry’s Corner. Yengoyan said the district received a federal grant for $500,000 to subsidize the remodel, which will upgrade the station to meet seismic standards.

“We’re here to serve the community as best we can,” Yengoyan said.

That’s what it was about on Sept. 11, 2001, and that’s what it’s about today.

“In the end, that’s what it’s always about,” Yengoyan added.

Staff Reporter Jeremiah O’Hagan: 629-8066 ext. 125 or ohagan@scnews. com.