Cambridge new fire hall is nearing completion

 A new fire hall is nearing completion in Cambridge. Three blocks from the previous fire hall, the new hall provides a larger space to accommodate the growing fire department. The building is featured on ground donated by the city of Weiser.

 President of the Cambridge fire district John Sachtjen said the fire department continues to grow and has been in need of more space, with the existing fire hall only able to fit four vehicles inside, including three fire trucks and the ambulance. The new hall offers eight bays with overhead doors, with a vehicle to be placed in each bay and will provide room for more necessary equipment.

 “We need the new fire hall to better provide fire protection and service to the community,” said Sachtjen.  “[The new building] has been a really big hit.”

 The project began in November 2017, with a bond for $700,000 passed by taxpayers. The fire department itself raised $250,000 designated for the new hall and received $180,000 through grants. Construction on the fire hall began in midsummer of this year and is set to officially complete on Jan. 14. 

 Many projects inside the building such as office walls will be completed as more funds are raised. The hall also awaits smaller items such as paint until it can be officially declared complete, however is near enough to completion that the fire department has begun moving in miscellaneous items.

 “We can’t park [the trucks] outside and let them freeze,” said Sachtjen. “Therefore, we drain them, they’re not ready to go if somebody has a fire. That’s why it’s important to have them inside.”

 Sachtjen works as a farmer and has been a commissioner for the Cambridge fire district for more than 20 years and a fireman for 35 years. His entire career as a volunteer fireman has been spent in Cambridge. The fire department and first responders operate entirely on a volunteer basis. In his years with the fire department, Sachtjen said no firefighter or EMT has ever been paid.

 “When we say a volunteer fire department, we really mean volunteer,” said Sachtjen.

 The new fire hall is located at 1908 Commercial St. and is in the vicinity of the post office and Cambridge Telephone Company main office.