Norfolk voters approve $9.3M firehouse project

NORFOLK — At a special town meeting May 22, voters in Norfolk ratified the proposal to construct a new firehouse located at 20 Shepard Road.

According to the town website, the $9.3 million project will be partially funded by town bonds, up to $3.5 million. The department plans to generate $3 million in donations, and a state grant was identified for $2.5 million. Norfolk will reapply next year for a federal grant of $1.25 million. Town funds will contribute $500,000.

The website states First Assistant Fire Chief Matt Ludwig described the current firehouse, which originally housed three firetrucks, as “perfect” 54 years ago. Today, with seven trucks measuring up to 33 feet in length, the building is now inadequate. Per Ludwig, when the trucks are parked side-by-side, there is not enough room to open the truck doors.

The future building was designed to provide more space for training, storage and parking for modern-sized trucks. A ventilation system and solar panels were included.