New firehouse in Waterloo Township dedicated to Jan Kitley
by Joan Tucker
On April 30, at 5 p.m., Waterloo residents gathered next to the Waterloo Township Hall to unveil a new, three-bay fire barn substation. The new substation is an extension of Stockbridge Area Emergency Services Authority (SAESA).
Both the Waterloo Township Board and SAESA provided community members the opportunity to look at the new building and hear about their service plan. Kids were encouraged to get an up-close look at the fire trucks, including trying out the fire hose on the brush truck. Refreshments were provided.
The township board and SAESA worked together to secure funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, which provided federal money from a COVID relief program. The funds were required to be used by 2025. The Township was able to accrue the funds at no additional expense to the taxpayers, according to Supervisor Doug Lance.
SAESA General Manager and Waterloo Township Trustee John Beck explained that the first phase of the project will enable a pumper fire truck and a brush truck to be parked at this location. Eventually, in Phase 2, an EMS truck and crew will be added for quicker medical response to the area.
Later that evening, at the Waterloo Township board meeting, the fire barn substation was dedicated to Jan Kitley, township clerk for more than 20 years.
“Jan was a strong supporter who always kept this idea at the forefront at meetings,” Lance said. He added, “Despite her illness, she was always available to make progress payments keeping the project on schedule.”
According to Treasurer Wendy Walz, “Clerk Kitley’s dream was achieved and she was able to see phase one of the project completed before succumbing to cancer.”
Those who knew her know that Jan loved to serve her community, engaging folks in fun activities like the Munith Halloween Parade—a longstanding tradition. Jan would have been proud to see the completion of this much needed firehouse project.
All photos for this story were taken by Joan Tucker.
The new SAESA substation in Waterloo Township was unveiled on April 30.
Chris Harrison and grandchildren explore a fire engine parked at the substation for the grand opening.
SAESA Explorer, Connor, assists with the tour of the substation and the fire apparatus.
SAESA volunteer Katelyn Risner takes a moment to pose with her family at the substation open house.
Firefighter Jeremy Muraf assists a young firefighter-for-a-day as he learns to use a fire hose.
