'Momentous Day' For Westborough, Fire Department

Westborough on Tuesday night observed "a momentous day" on the eve of the 12th anniversary of "a tragedy that this country has not forgotten, 9-11," Bob Brown noted.

The groundbreaking for the new Westborough Fire Station next to the current station at 42 Milk St. was the latest milestone in a project that started 12 years ago, said Brown, the chairman of the Westborough Municipal Building Committee.

Brown recalled that on Sept. 11, 2001, "people were racing out of those buildings, all tattered and torn and covered with soot, trying to get away from that horrible tragedy. At the same time were men running in the other direction, running into the buildings to help.

"Who were they? They were our firemen, our policemen, people who have dedicated their lives to putting others ahead of their own. They deserve the best. And so, we are in the process of building for this community what we think is the best," Brown said.

"It's been a long process getting here. But when the 9-11 calls come in here they need to know that they've got the town behind them, that they have the best of equipment, they've got a good station, and that they're really respected and loved."

Voters at the Oct. 15, 2012 special town meeting approved $11.2 million to design and build the new station.

Last month, selectmen awarded the construction contract to G & R Construction Inc. for $8.2 million.

Selectmen Vice Chairman George Barrette said the municipal building committee's expertise and experience was valuable during the process.

"It has been a long process," said Barrette, who also serves on that committee.

"We're all looking forward to this. A building doesn't make a department, and a department doesn't make a building. But, I'm very proud. Westborough has, as far as I'm concerned, the finest fire department in the state or anywhere else."

Architect Brian Humes said groundbreakings are "always a fun day for the architect. Because this means that our drawings are going to become reality."

The new fire station will be "tailor-made for your community, and tailor-made for your fire department, to enjoy for generations to come," Humes said.

"We're sure we're going to be back here when this is completed toward the end of next year to open the doors and invite the public in to see the inside," he said.