Text, Photos and Video
By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

NAPPANEE – Nappanee Mayor Phil Jenkins said it best: “What a truly monumental day for our city,” he told the crowd Sunday afternoon, Oct. 12. The day marked the formal dedication of the new Nappanee Fire Station, located at 1109 N. Main St.

The dedication included speeches from Jenkins; Fire Chief Don Lehman; Eric Pros of DS Architecture and K2M Design; Brian Blight, senior project manager with Weigand Construction; and three local pastors. The event also featured an anointing service, a hose uncoupling and a flag raising.

Goshen Fire Department Honor Guard presents the colors.

The hose uncoupling is a traditional fire service event marking the official opening of a new or renovated fire station. It is equivalent to a ribbon-cutting ceremony. During the uncoupling, fire officials and community leaders separate two lengths of hose to symbolize the station’s readiness to begin its work.

Another key moment was the raising of the American flag on the new flagpole.

“Once the flag is raised, that will be the official symbol that this fire station is now open,” Jenkins said.

Pastor Sam Bennett of First Church of God presided over the anointing of Lehman, representing both the department and the building.

“Anointing is the representation of the power of God and His work in our life,” Bennett said. “The power comes from dedicating ourselves, surrendering ourselves to God.”

He noted that in the Old Testament, anointing was done for priests, kings, instruments and tabernacles. “Today we are setting apart this building and these men and women who serve this community,” he added.

Before the anointing service, Bennett shared that he had served as a volunteer fireman and chaplain three decades ago. “Firefighters hold a special place in my heart,” he said, adding that he also had a special place in his heart for Lehman. He recalled Sept. 26, 2021, when his church burned down and Nappanee firefighters, along with five other departments, responded.

“God blessed us with a new building. However, there’s a special place in my heart for Don and the men and women … he sat with me that whole day and through that evening,” Bennett said. He added that Lehman gave him direction on securing the building and next steps. “I’m indebted to his service – not just as a fireman, but as a community leader.”

Pastors Tom Nelson of Grace Point Church and Jeff Williams of Brethren in Christ Church also offered prayers of blessing for the station and those who will serve there.

A Vision Coming True

“We are gathered here today to dedicate more than just a building. We’re dedicating a new chapter in our commitment to the safety and well-being of our community,” Jenkins told invited guests.

Mayor Phil Jenkins unveils the training tower plaque honoring Don Lehman.

“This building represents more than just brick and mortar. It’s part of a long fight by volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians serving the people of Nappanee in their greatest times of need.

“For 55 years, our previous fire station served us faithfully. Adding full-time paramedic services in 2004 was one step in that evolution. The journey for this new fire station began eight years ago with a vision from Fire Chief Don Lehman and then–EMS Chief Jim Sumpter to merge our fire and EMS operations into a more unified and efficient response system.”

Jenkins noted that the three visited numerous fire stations across the region to learn what they wanted in their own facility. “Today, that vision is a reality,” he said.

He called the state-of-the-art facility the result of countless hours of planning, collaboration and dedication from many individuals. He extended thanks to City Planner Todd Nunemaker; the city council; the Board of Works; the Redevelopment Commission; the clerk-treasurer; DS Architecture; K2M Design; Weigand Construction; and Grace Point Church.

“To our great firefighters and EMS staff – this station is for you,” Jenkins said. “We’re proud to provide you with a facility that not only meets operational needs with features like the training tower and expanded bays, but also prioritizes your health and safety with advanced ventilation systems, a dedicated decontamination area and safe living quarters. Your unwavering courage and dedication to our community inspire us all.”

He asked attendees to notice the familiar face of Smokey Stover in the new station – “a wonderful reminder of our unique history and the deep-rooted connection between our fire department and our community.”

“May this building be a symbol of our shared commitment to one another,” Jenkins said. “It’s a promise that when help is needed, it will be there. May this new fire station be a beacon of safety, a hub of community pride and a home for our heroes for generations to come.”

Lehman’s Remarks

Lehman said he was humbled by the turnout and community support for the project.

Fire Chief Don Lehman, right, addresses the crowd on the vision and quest for the new fire station. Mayor Phil Jenkins is shown to the left in the back.

“For over 150 years, the Nappanee Fire Department has provided fire protection for the city and surrounding communities,” he said. “With this new station, our emergency services will provide quicker response times and even better service to those we serve.”

He recounted the eight-year effort that led to the new facility. “For the first time in department history, both fire and EMS crews will be responding from a central station,” Lehman said.

He added that the station offers modern, state-of-the-art equipment to support the health and safety of first responders. He thanked Jenkins for recognizing the need for quality emergency services and a facility for both full-time and volunteer responders, along with other city departments, boards and individuals. He gave special recognition to Brian VanVorst for the cartoon displayed in the meeting room.

Lehman became emotional as he thanked firefighters for their patience.

“Some have been waiting 22 years, as promised, for a facility they can now call home,” he said. “Full-time responders work 24- or 48-hour shifts, spending one-third of their lives here. This is not only a fire station – it’s a firehouse.”

He concluded: “Now it is our promise to you, the community: if you need us, we will respond and provide the best possible service we can. Thank you again for celebrating this exciting day with us and for trusting us to protect what matters most.”

Additional Remarks

Pros, the project architect, noted his passion for public safety projects.

“There were a lot of architects involved, but we all kept the goal of providing an excellent facility front and center,” he said. “Our goal was to provide a station that will grow with them, give them the dignity they deserve when doing their jobs and provide a sense of civic pride.”

Pastor Sam Bennett, First Church of God, left, leads the anointing service of Fire Chief Don Lehman, with Pastors Tom Nelson, Grace Point Church; and Jeff Williams, Brethren in Christ Church, to the right. Nappanee Mayor Phil Jenkins is shown in back.

He said architects have a responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public – which they do by designing buildings that accomplish those goals. He added that visitors will see thoughtful design throughout the building, from the boardrooms to the apparatus bays, with natural lighting and layouts that promote camaraderie and belonging.

Blight added that facilities like this “don’t simply rise from the ground. There’s collaboration, trust and a shared commitment to excellence – and this project exemplified all of that.”

Closing Moments

After the ceremonies, firefighters gathered quietly at the training tower, where Jenkins unveiled a plaque dedicating the tower to Lehman. Junior Mast, Indiana Volunteer Firemen’s Association Fourth District chairman, also presented Lehman with a clock plaque to hang at the department.

A community open house followed until 6 p.m., giving residents a chance to tour the new state-of-the-art facility.