The Shawangunk Valley Fire District embarked on plans to expand the Wallkill Firehouse in September, supported by a $1 million grant from New York State.

The project will add about 2000 square feet to the firehouse, as well as a new ventilation system to improve air quality. The district's ambulances, rescue trailer and rescue task vehicle will now be able to park indoors, and volunteers will have a new fitness space to train in. A medical storage space will be added as well. Work is projected to finish by April 2027.

"This expansion is about keeping our volunteers safe and healthy and keeping our response times fast," said Fire Company Chief Bill Brown. "Right now, our gear, our medical supplies, and our apparatus are packed in tighter than they should be, and our rescue trailer is in a Quonset hut out back."

The district is confident the upgrades will make the company more efficient, and go a long way towards recruiting the next generation of volunteers.

New York State is providing the majority of the funding through the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Volunteer Fire Infrastructure and Response Equipment (V-FIRE) program. V-FIRE gives out $25 million in grants every year to volunteer fire companies across the state. There are construction requirements attached, which have raised costs for the Shawangunk project, and the local community has stepped in to help, donating concrete and contractor services for free.

"When a project like this comes together, it's because the whole community steps up," said Larry Smith, Head of District. "It's a strong example of what's possible when neighbors take care of the people who take care of them."

The Shawangunk Valley Fire District is entirely volunteer, and any local contributions of materials or equipment for the project are welcome. "It's a true community effort," Smith said.

If you'd like to chip in with donations or services, reach out to the district at svfire.org/contact or 845-895-2600.