By JOLENE OGLE
RESIDENTS of Pomona have welcomed the addition of a new fire and rescue station in the town’s emergency precinct.
Located on Reserve Street next to the ambulance station, the new facility features a double bay, multi-purpose training room, breathing equipment apparatus decommissioning room, staff and public amenities and an outdoor training area.
The Pomona station services the Pomona township, Black Mountain and Federal area with the support of auxiliary stations from Cooran and Cooroy.
In the past two years the station has responded to 80 incidents including road crashes, grass and wildfire and structural fires.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services Jo-Ann Miller officially opened the new facility alongside Acting Commissioner Katarina Carroll, who described the facility as world-class.
Ms Miller said the new building was a reflection on the Pomona community, with the modern design staying true to the “character” of the town.
“I understand 12 years ago this was a weed-ridden site and just look at it now,” she said.
Auxiliary Captain Sam Spink said the new building was a great achievement for the community, who fought hard for the upgrade in facilities.
“It’s been a great boost for the town. We’ve fought a lot of years for it and now we’ve got it, Pomona is very, very proud and so is the crew,” he said.
As well as an official plaque to honour the opening of the station, a remembrance chair was also unveiled in honour of the late auxiliary firefighter Robert Mienert who passed away from leukemia last year.
Mr Mienert’s family including his wife and two sons were on hand to reveal the chair.
“It means a lot that he’s being remembered in this way,” Mrs Mienert said. “It’s an honour to be here today in his name.”
