In their jobs, firefighters and paramedics are always “on.”
First on the scene of a fire, medical emergency or accident, they often put their own lives at risk for others. It’s not an easy job, perhaps made even harder in the last few years as the opioid epidemic took hold and a pandemic raged.
Finding balance, time to wind down, relax and recover from the stress of their jobs can be almost as important as having the right safety equipment. Fort Thomas firefighters’ living quarters at 130 North Fort Thomas is their home base, the place they spend down time on their long shifts. Their quarters had been adequate but shabby, dark and often cold. Like the rest of the city building built in 1968, it showed decades of wear and tear.
All that has changed, said Chief Chris Amon, who shared his staff’s enthusiasm for a newly remodeled space thanks to the total rehaul and remodeling of the city building now underway.
Dark and dreary to light and airy
In fact, the only previous remodeling of the fire service space took place 22 years ago when the first female firefighter joined the department. The bathrooms were reconfigured and some of the bunk space changed to accommodate, but, basically, said Amon, the living quarters had seen only a handful of minor cosmetic changes over the years and nothing more.
The old original windows, he said, were the biggest problem.
“You would feel the wind come through those windows, and they were closed,” he said. “You could hear people just casually walking down the avenue, having a conversation. You could hear it. Those windows were paper thin.”
Thanks to the remodeling project, the entire building has large new windows throughout, letting in more light while sealing out the elements — and the noise.
“The windows are beautiful,” Amon said. “We sit here, and it’s like deafening how quiet it is. Before you could hear everything, even the birds chirping outside with the windows closed. That’s just how bad it was.”
Now, he said, not only is it quiet, but the new windows let in much more light. His new office, like all the remodeled rooms, have two large, almost floor-to-ceiling windows. While the designers suggested he put his desk facing away from the windows, he intends to enjoy the view.
“They originally set my desk over here,” he said, pointing to spot that would put his back to the window. “I’m gonna turn this way so I can see outside. I won’t put up any curtains in here either. I just always want to leave them open. I’ll be good.”
An unseen but important upgrade has been the new HVAC system and roof repairs. The ceilings had to come down in some places for that, and with the remodel, the space got new ceilings, new flooring, new paint and new lighting.
A walk through
On the first floor, off the equipment bay, smaller offices were combined to create one large and airy staff office. It doesn’t look like much yet, Amon said, but new furniture is on order. A table and mounted screen will provide a space for trainings.
Amon’s new office and an office for a shift manager are also on the lower level. By putting his office in the new location, the chief said, it better facilitates his dual role as head of the department and as a member of the city administrative team.
“Now I’m more connected with the administrative staff, which is where I have a lot of interaction on a day on, day off basis,” he said. He’s also excited about a new conference room, shared by all in the building. It’s large enough to accommodate the many trainings so vital to his staff’s work.
The first floor bathrooms have moved, and a new stairway put in, allowing access from his office to the rest of the department in just a few steps. Upstairs, the first room is the shared kitchen and dining room with all new appliances and cabinetry.
“The old stuff was pressed board, and it was starting to fall apart,” Amon explained. “This is absolutely beautiful now, and there’s more light.”
The bunk room has had mostly cosmetic changes, he said, noting fresh paint and carpet. The individual lockers look new, but, he said, “they found someone to paint them, and they look brand new. It’s unbelievable. They did such a good job.”
The lounge area is flooded with natural light now, he said. The space has enough easy chairs for the six-member shift and more, a now quiet spot to gather and watch a movie or just relax.
New ceiling and flooring helps the space, Amon said. “This used to be carpet. Well, we would track stuff in and out, and it was hard to clean. So we went with a solid surface, a vinyl tile. It’s durable and, yes, much easier to clean.”
A place to grill out and have fun
Amon then pushed open a door to reveal a somewhat grubby outdoor spot overlooking construction equipment. This will become a new outdoor balcony where crew can grill out and gather, he said.
“We had the back stairwell where we had a grill, but you had to go all the way downstairs for the food, and we’d have to walk up and down the stairs…We’ve asked for this forever.”
The department came to enjoy access to a gas grill and patio when they were stationed at the Armory, and he said his staff is looking forward to this amenity.
Back down in the atrium of the city building, the interior still seems far from finished, but Amon pointed out the new and welcoming two-story windows at the back coming off the parking lot. He noted that interior designers have been in and made selections for furnishings and wall coverings.
The plan is to have the work completed and move-in ready for the city administration by June or early July. Amon noted he still has a few punch items on a list for his area but, like the rest of the building, supply chain issues have held up some of the furnishings and other interior items.
He said he is hopeful things will progress quickly once supplies are available. “They’re close to putting the ceiling grid in here and then the flooring. It won’t be too much longer…I think it will start to move real fast.”
Overall, he’s said he’s excited for the changes throughout the building. “This was a 1968 building. It was just so chopped up, and there was no flow and a lot of wasted space, especially for the administrative staff… So, this is going to be so much more inviting.”