This time next year, West Deer Volunteer Fire Company No. 3 firefighters will be able to practice rappelling and rescue techniques without leaving the fire hall on Gibsonia Road.

An indoor training space is among the highlights of ongoing renovations at the hall, which is a transformed commercial building that formerly housed Krigger & Co.

Other work includes a 5,000-square-foot enclosed canopy, the addition of two apparatus garage bays and a decontamination room.

Enhancements will top $1 million and will be paid through state and federal funding.

“I didn’t anticipate to be moving forward with this work so quickly,” Chief Josh Wiegand said. “If it weren’t for grants, this wouldn’t be happening so soon.”

Work is expected to bolster skills and boost protection for the growing township.

Volunteer Annette Locke said it comes at a perfect time, with more than 500 new houses scheduled to be built in the coming years.

“This space is phenomenal,” said Locke, a member since 2018. “We were so tightly packed in the old building.”

Upgrades will support members’ readiness and allow them to conduct training in any weather, Wiegand said.

“Presently, weather and light availability has been limiting,” he said. “The training area will be open to our neighboring departments and will be a big benefit.”

The company’s 20 active members respond to about 1,000 calls a year, up from 400 in years past.

Wiegand said the former fire hall left no room for growth. The fire engines were parked outdoors, and equipment was stored in boxes.

The department purchased its new station in 2021 for $1.8 million.

The first phase of the renovations kicked off shortly after, with work to expand the garage and keep the equipment weather-tight. The cost was about $350,000, paid for by proceeds from the sale of the original building along with department savings.

A $750,000 grant announced Thursday by U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Aspinwall, will pair with a previously received $250,000 grant from the Gaming and Economic Development Tourism Fund to pay for the second phase.

The work is one of 15 projects Deluzio secured money for through annual congressional funding. It’s one of four projects, totaling $2 million, that directly support emergency responders.

Harmar police received $50,000 for a new vehicle through the same allocation.

“We appreciate what you do to keep us safe every day,” Deluzio said. “We need to do more to help you protect the community.”

At 29 square miles, West Deer is the third largest municipality in Allegheny County.

“It’s a lot of turf,” Deluzio said.

State Sen. Lindsey Williams, D-West View, was on hand for the announcement, saying she is elated the state and federal government are working together to provide emergency services with the money they need to protect people.

Wiegand said work soon will go out to bid. Construction is expected to take about eight months.

A third phase is years off but could include bunk rooms and showers to attract more members.

A live-in space would cut response time and build camaraderie, Wiegand said.

“We hope the bunks will boost numbers,” Capt. Aaron Skrbin said. “We want to get younger members in while they still have time to give — before they start getting married or go off to work.”

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)