Excerpts from the HeraldNews.com:
In 1960, Don "Randy" Randich found himself standing inside the newly built Lockport Township Fire Protection District Station 1. It was a proud moment as his fellow firefighters gathered to dedicate the station. Fast forward to 2017, and there he was again—this time sitting in the brand-new Station 1 building, which was being dedicated on a Friday. He was the sole surviving member of the very first crew that had served in the old station.
"I put in 42 years as a firefighter and worked under six different chiefs," Randich reminisced. "Back in the day, this station was considered one of the best in all of Illinois. But this new building—it's just incredible. Absolutely beautiful. I came here today not just to see the place, but to reconnect with all my old friends, like one big family."
The dedication ceremony took place on a crisp morning, starting promptly at 10 a.m. Chief David Skoryi and Captain John Batusich were among the speakers who shared their thoughts. Afterward, everyone stepped outside through the new bi-fold doors for a flag-raising ceremony. The Lockport Township Firefighters Local #1544 Honor Guard placed the flags on poles mounted directly onto the building.
Following the flag-raising, Reverend Mark Hein offered a heartfelt prayer. Then, trustees Paul Siegel, Henry Meader, Dave Palya, Bill Kendziora, and Gordon McCluskey, along with union president Pat Kelly and Captain Batusich, participated in the traditional hose and coupling ceremony.
Chief Skoryi explained that back in 2010, the senior leadership and board of trustees realized the existing building had outlived its usefulness. There were numerous issues, including problems with the sewer lines, outdated electrical systems, inefficient HVAC units, inadequate space for both male and female firefighters, insufficient room for larger vehicles, the presence of asbestos, and a pressing need for modern technological upgrades.
Once they consulted with architects, it became clear that the cost of renovations would amount to nearly three-quarters of constructing an entirely new building. As a result, the decision was made to demolish and rebuild.
Demolition started on May 25, 2016. In the interim, the ambulance crew moved temporarily to Station 6, while the fire engine was relocated to Station 4.
Skoryi mentioned that the district aimed to preserve the historical charm of downtown Lockport in the design of the new building. On the exterior, there are seven arches mirroring the iconic seven-arched bridge on Ninth Street. The apparatus room features bi-fold doors reminiscent of those seen in classic firehouses, and rather than a traditional flagpole, the flags are mounted diagonally on the building.
Inside, however, the building is anything but retro. It boasts cutting-edge dispatch systems equipped with red LED lights and digital signage. The rooms are spacious, the apparatus room has heated floors, and there’s ample room for large vehicles, along with a sophisticated diesel exhaust capture system.
Interestingly, the original Station 1 was established in the 100 block of East 10th Street in 1897 before moving to the Adelman Garage in 1902. It relocated again in 1938 to the City of Lockport Building, finally settling at its present location at 828 E. Ninth St. in 1960.
As the ceremony concluded, it was clear that this new building symbolizes more than just progress—it represents a strong sense of continuity and community pride.
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