West Deptford Fire Department Unveils New Station with a State-of-the-Art Training Facility

WEST DEPTFORD – The opening of new a centrally located new main fire station is already having a positive impact on West Deptford Township residents – a faster response time, on-site firefighter training and the creation of a new public library on the site of the shuttered fire station.

Following a recent merger of four fire companies and in a joint initiative for public safety, West Deptford Fire Department and West Deptford Township are proud to celebrate the opening of the fire department’s newly renovated main station, which will bring all firefighters under one roof. Located at 61 Firehouse Road, the facility, which spans 9,880 square feet, is a complete renovation of Thorofare Fire Company’s station.

“This whole project started with a couple pieces of electric tape on the floor,” said West Deptford Fire Chief Anthony Ferriola. “And with the help of the Township, we now have a central station that is a certified training center for all of our firefighters.”

The project was made possible by funding through the Township and donations. Mayor James Mehaffey, a former Chief of Police, played a key role in getting the funding approved for the project, citing the critical need for public safety resources.

"This project was a team effort,” said Mehaffey. “A lot of the work was done by Township employees, with everyone collaborating to ensure the safety of our community."

Skilled Township personnel took on the challenge of completing building tasks ranging from electrical work, to plumbing, to ceiling construction.

“Since we didn’t outsource a lot of the work to build the new station, this project didn’t pose a burden on taxpayers,” said Mayor Mehaffey.

New Building Maximizes Public Safety

The new facility is licensed by the Division of Firefighter Safety as a Certified Training Center. This means firefighters can train to maintain their certifications free of charge and on-site.

“We can also host trainings with mutual aid fire companies,” said Chief Ferriola.

The central location for all West Deptford firefighters will also improve response times, which is critical in a township that on average receives 1,000 calls per year. "When the alarm goes off, our firefighters respond from the main station so they can be on the scene within a four-minute response time,” said Chief Ferriola. “This is incredibly important in emergency situations when seconds make the difference.”

The station is equipped with offices, bunk rooms (for 24/7 emergency response) and day rooms for the department's part-time and volunteer firefighters. Showers are available so firefighters can wash off potential debris or smoke off after responding to emergency calls and before they go home to their families.

“The new facility stands as a testament to the Township's commitment to both fiscal responsibility and the safety of its residents,” said Mayor Mehaffey.

The closed fire station will be turned into a new public library for West Deptford Township residents.

Join the West Deptford Fire Department

West Deptford Fire Department is always seeking volunteer firefighters. Volunteer roles include firefighter, junior firefighter, fire police or administrative member. No experience is necessary, and training and gear are provided. Residents interested in volunteering can fill out an inquiry form at www.westdeptfordfirefighter.org to get started.