OCEAN PINES, Md. – Construction has officially begun on the new Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department South Station.
The original South Station was constructed in 1981, and the new South Station is being built on the already existing footprint.
OPVFD President Joe Enste explained the upgrades will include a new larger living quarters along with room for more training efforts.
“One, it’s going to help us from a recruitment and retention standpoint, both from a volunteer and career standpoint.” Said Enste. “We are going from an aging, dated station to a brand new state of the art facility. That’s going to provide all the creature comforts that are needed, plus all of the training requirements.”
Enste assures that the construction does not negatively effect the duties of the South Station.
“We’ve had to, kind of shift our, our ways of doing things.” Said Enste. “You know, so typically our career staff is based out of our South Station. They’re predominantly based out of the North Station with the living quarters that are up there. We’ve been able to take advantage of a temporary station right behind the previous South Station. So, there’s never been a lapse in service.”
Construction is expected to take 55 to 60 weeks, expecting to wrap up around November or December of 2027.
