The Town of Clayton has completed renovations to Fire Station 2 that will now allow full-time operations to transpire more efficiently.
Fire Station 2 was opened in 2000 as a volunteer fire station. In the past 23 years, Clayton Fire Department’s responsibilities have increased, making the station’s capacity insufficient.
Key improvements include the addition of a physical fitness center, an emergency sprinkler system, and an additional 1,190 square feet of storage space which is essential for housing gear racks and equipment. Pre-renovation, such items were inconveniently stored in the station’s bay.
According to Town Manager Rich Cappola, the Town is committed to modernizing facilities and providing Clayton’s first responders with the resources necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
“In its previous condition, Fire Station 2 could not sustain continued full-time operations. With the additional storage, the trucks and equipment in our bay can be easily accessed and equipped,” said Clayton Fire Department Battalion Chief Stacey Turner.
Turner said one of the most significant improvements was the addition of the fitness center and stated that upholding a high level of physical fitness is vital to leading a successful career as a firefighter.
“Keeping up with the physical demands of the job requires dedicated training. With the new physical fitness center at Fire Station 2, firefighters will be better prepared to serve and protect our citizens and community,” said Turner.
These renovations support the Town's dedication to public safety, a commitment echoed by its residents who consistently rank public safety as a top priority in recent survey results, Cappola added.
"We are immensely proud of the collaborative effort between our Engineering staff, HH Architecture, Brawley Contracting, and the Timmons Group which has resulted in a facility that will serve our town for generations to come,” said Cappola.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate these improvements on Sept. 18, at 3 p.m. at the Fire Station 2 location, 800 NC HWY 42 E and was attended by Town officials, representatives from HH Architecture, Brawley Contracting, the Timmons Group, local dignitaries, and Town staff.