Corrigan Volunteer Fire Department Prepares to Open New Fire Station, CORRIGAN, June 5, 2024 - After years of planning and months of construction, the City of Corrigan is preparing to cut the ribbon on a new fire station this year. It was last August when the Corrigan Volunteer Firefighters broke ground on the 6,000 square foot building following a $100,000 grant from local building products manufacturer Georgia-Pacific. Today the fire department is embarking on the last phase of construction and finishing the inside of the station, thanks to a second $100,000 grant from Georgia-Pacific.
“Like most volunteer fire departments, we depend on grants, fundraisers, and contributions to operate—and in this case—to build a new facility,” said Jimmy McDonald, Corrigan Volunteer Fire Chief. “We knew it would take years to raise the money for a new fire house, but we were willing to work on the station as money became available. When Georgia-Pacific stepped forward with its first donation, we were thrilled to be able to build the exterior of the facility. To say the least we are overwhelmed that we can now complete this project ahead of schedule with another generous contribution from Georgia-Pacific.”
According to McDonald, the fire department’s existing facility is dilapidated and in terrible shape. “We’ve operated out of that building as long as we could, but it is simply not conducive to our needs as a fire department,” said McDonald.
The total cost of the new building project is about $400,000 and according to McDonald the additional funding will come from general community contributions. “We were also fortunate to have the land that the new fire station sits on donated by local residents Connie Cobb and her son John,” said McDonald. “Connie’s husband John served as the Corrigan Volunteer Fire Chief for many years until his passing last year. We are truly thankful for Connie’s confidence and support to continue John’s legacy.”
The Corrigan Volunteer Fire Department has approximately 25 active members who answer more than 150 emergency calls each year. They help make up 65% of our nation’s volunteer firefighters. Out of 29,452 fire departments in the country, 18,873 of these departments are volunteers. In addition to fire emergencies, these first responders handle many other types of situations, such as emergency medical incidents, vehicle accidents, natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents, water rescue emergencies and other general public service calls.
With three facilities located in the Corrigan area—Corrigan Plywood, Camden Plywood, and Camden Lumber—Georgia-Pacific understands the importance of having good, reliable fire protection. “Fire poses a real threat in the wood products industry, “said Yana Ogletree, Georgia-Pacific Public Affairs Manager for Texas. “While it is important to Georgia-Pacific as a business, it is equally important to our community to know that help is only a phone call away. Georgia-Pacific is proud to partner with our local firefighters who dedicate their lives to keeping our families, homes, and property safe.”
Corrigan’s new fire station is located on Hyde Street in downtown Corrigan.
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