Just Opened: Vestal’s $7.5 Million Fire Station Now in Service

After several years of debate and discussion, a newly-constructed Vestal Fire Department station has gone into operation.

Firetrucks and other equipment used by firefighters have been moved into the $7.5 million facility off Jensen Road. The new Station 4 is located just south of the Kohl's store in the Parkway Plaza.

The complex was built on a three-and-a-half acre site where an American Legion clubhouse had stood for about six decades. The Vestal Fire District acquired the property in 2018.

The 15,000-square-foot facility has much more space for fire apparatus than the old Station 4 located a short distance away on the Vestal Parkway.

Assistant fire chief Chuck Paffie said fire department members are "extremely happy" with the new station. He told WNBF News "it's nice to have the room we have now."

Paffie said the department is still waiting to occupy the office side of the building. He said some construction "punch list" items must be completed.

While he's pleased with the just-opened facility, Paffie has fond memories of the old station from his childhood when he attended special events with his family and friends.

Plans call for the property where the old station stands to be sold. The proceeds from the sale will be used to help defray some of the cost of developing the new facility.

Paffie said no operational issues have been reported in the first few days of using the new fire station.

A dedication ceremony and open house event are planned at the facility soon.

VIDEO: A walk through the apparatus area of the new Vestal Fire Station 4 on November 29, 2023.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.