By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE – The Margate Mothers Association joined the Margate Fire Department Sunday, April 10 for a combination firehouse dedication and Easter Egg Hunt.
The department welcomed parents to tour the recently completed addition at Fire Station No. 2 on Brunswick Avenue.
Fire Chief Dan Adams welcomed Mayor Michael Becker and Commissioners John Amodeo and Maury Blumberg, who spoke briefly so the children could become the stars of the day.
From left, Margate Fire Chief Dan Adams, Commissioner John Amodeo, Mayor Michael Becker, and Commissioner Maury Blumberg.
The residential portion of the fire station, which was once the site of the Margate Mothers Association, has been enlarged to about 2,000 square feet from its original 600 square feet and at the required FEMA elevation for critical and essential buildings. The addition cost more than $600,000 to house three firefighters on each shift, and firefighters contributed by working on the kitchen area and providing flat screen TVs for the living spaces, Adams said.
“It’s 100% between night and day,” Fire Investigator Perry Coker said. “We went from working in a trailer to what we have here today. Our living conditions grew exponentially and it’s so much better.”
Becker said the city first started working to get the addition build 11 years ago.
“It’s great to be able to give this to the people who serve our city so well every day. Now they have a decent place to work,” he said.
Amodeo, who serves as commissioner of Public Safety, said the upgrade was important, especially with the growing numbers of women serving in the department.
“It’s about time Margate gave back for what they do every day,” he said.
Noticing the anxious children, Blumberg kept his comments brief, and it was soon time for the Easter Bunny’s countdown. Children were divided into age groups, taking turns filling their baskets with plastic Easter eggs filled with candy, trinkets and prizes.
The mothers sold beautiful flower arrangements and all were invited to enjoy some hot dogs and treats.
