Photos: Piece of Twin Towers Highlights Hayden Station Renovation

The Hayden Station Firehouse was officially dedicated this weekend for service to the Town of Windsor. The station has been under construction for about a year, bringing it up to code and updating several of its features to help serve the firefighters and the local community better.

At a ceremony on Sat., Sept. 10, a few of those involved in the project spoke to those gathered and also introduced a memorial to September 11 on the front lawn. 

Chief Bill Lewis opened his speech with thanks to those involved and the Windsor taxpayers who put it through by a referendum vote.  He encouraged everyone in attendance to tour the facility, but closed his speech by directing everyone's attention to the new 9-11 Memorial, and to honoring those firefighters who fell 10 years ago in the line of duty. 

"It's a solemn reminder of how America has changed since 9-11," he said. The new facility added three drive-through, double-deep apparatus bays, storage and utility bays, training rooms, a specialized laundry room, offices, a kitchen, a day room and a women's bathroom.

The original Hayden Station Firehouse was put into service in 1968. A two-bay garage was built behind the firehouse in 1990 for storage. A member of the Public Building Commission, Ron Hazelton, spoke as well.

"This is the third fire station I have been involved with as a [public building commssion] member," he said adding that the project came in "on time and under budget." Last to speak was Deputy Chief James Eatherton. Eatherton was active in the planning of the building and also in obtaining the piece of twisted girder for the 9-11 Memorial.  "Our long range plan is to have a more formal memorial and a plaque," he said.

It took over a year to get the piece on site as thousands of pieces of the tower are being requested by fire stations and other organizations all over the United States. The piece was mounted by local artist Lon Pelton on a spinning stand and is lit by an outdoor light in the evening. "I believe that the new Hayden Station Firehouse can fulfill [its role in the community] for many years to come," he said.

"The original firehouse served the community for over 40 years," said Eatherton. "This new firehouse will do the same thing."