Third grader Deegan Johnson, center, cuts the ribbon surrounded by bus drivers, staff and board members.

WARSAW — A year and a half after a fire destroyed the Warsaw Community School’s transportation department building, staff members finally have a new building to call home. A ribbon cutting was held at the new transportation building located on the same lot as the previous building, 310 East CR 200 N, Warsaw on Tuesday, July 11. 

In the morning hours of  Jan. 7, 2016, a fire broke out in the shop area of the transportation building. The fire destroyed the building along with five buses and mechanical equipment. The fire was ruled as accidental, with a probable cause of electrical in nature.

Since that day, workers have had to rely on other buildings in the school system for temporary work spaces. The buses were still able to be parked at the lot, but there was no office or mechanical space available. With the new building, transportation staff, bus drivers and mechanics will be able to work together in the same building again.

“It is hard to believe that it was only a year and a half ago that we were all standing here watching the building in flames,” said Warsaw Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert. “We are so excited that there is going to be a home for these buses and a home for all of you.”

A transportation department appreciate lunch took place during after the ribbon cutting. Employees were able to tour the new building and socialize while enjoying ribeye sandwiches cooked by Hoffert and other staff members.