Hempfield Fire Department could get new digs in old municipal authority building

The former municipal authority building in Hempfield could soon have new life as supervisors consider converting the facility into a headquarters for the township’s fire department.

Under initial plans, the Woodward Drive building would become the first station constructed for the Hempfield Fire Department, putting those in leadership positions under one roof.

“Right now, we’re going to take all of our offices and put them in the headquarters facility and we’re going to work to build upon a central station coming out of that building,” Chief Tony Kovacic said. “It’s pretty exciting times in the township because of the effort that the supervisors have put forth to really improve the fire service.”

The building, which is owned by the township, formerly housed the Hempfield Township Municipal Authority.

In 2016, the sewer system was sold to the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County in a deal that paid Hempfield $5 million upfront and $1.5 million a year for 20 years.

According to George Reese, chairman of the board of supervisors, MAWC also was permitted to use the building for five years. Their lease expired in July.

“It was always on my mind to try to have something for our fire department operating out of that building, and it kind of all came together,” Reese said. “The board’s continued commitment to the fire service recognized that as an opportunity for us, and it is. It’s our inaugural building.”

Supervisors last week authorized Unity-based Ulery Architecture to proceed with construction drawings and bid documents.

It was not immediately clear which firefighters could be stationed out the facility, but initial plans show the building would have offices for Kovacic, deputy fire chief John Storey and fire inspector Sean Hearn. There also would be space for the township’s three volunteer assistant fire chiefs.

In addition to offices, renderings show a 4,290-square-foot bay for three large pieces of apparatus, a training room, exercise room and men’s and women’s dorm rooms.

“There’s no question those dorms and having the opportunities there for our volunteers to spend the evening allows our response time without question to improve,” Reese said.

He noted training sessions are held in the emergency operations center in the Hempfield Emergency Management Agency building. By moving training sessions out of the building, it will return to its original purpose of responding to township emergencies such as storms, tornadoes, snow and more.

In addition to the fire headquarters, supervisors authorized Ulery Architecture to create documents for the North Hempfield station, which the township acquired last March.

Since the acquisition, township leaders have discussed renovating the building, which houses a Mutual Aid company ambulance.

“It will mirror what we’re doing here at headquarters and then some,” Reese said of North Hempfield. “That’s our next step. We’re moving forward with getting those construction drawings also prepared. These two projects run parallel to each other. We’re looking to launch both of these projects in this calendar year.”