October 12, 2007

Grand opening

Communication Hill has a new resident—Fire Station 33

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Much like a platoon of firefighters extinguishes a burning building, a team of City and community leaders worked together to build San Jose Fire Station #33 on Communication Hill.

It’s official: The ribbon cutting and official opening of SJFD Station 33. Left: KB Home South Bay Division President Chris Apostolopoulos, Franklin McKinley School District president John Lindner, Richard Overhouse, District 24 State Assemblyman Jim Beall, District 7 Councilmember Madison P. Nguyen, San Jose City Manager Debra Figone and SJFD Fire Chief Darryl Von Raesfeld. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

A fire station became a priority on the Hill with 5,000 planned residences, school, park, retail and recreation in the area that once was the site of the first prune orchard in Ca. Fire Station 33 is a “turnkey” facility that was funded by private development.

“This new facility on Communication Hill will enhance the service to the community here and the fire calls that happen off the top of the hill,” said San Jose Fire Department [SJFD] Fire Chief Darryl Von Raesfeld. And it increases are daily fire personnel to 197 fire fighters on duty. Fire Station 33 represented a unique opportunity and you have a heartfelt thank you from the Fire Department.”

The unique opportunity of Fire Station 33 is the teams who made the facility possible. The half-acre site was donated by Rob Bettencourt of MTA Properties, with Kenneth Rodriguez & Partners as architects, KB Homes developing the project and even providing the fire apparatus and contractor Gonsalves and Stronck Construction Company all working with the SJFD, City Manager Debra Figone and Director of Public Works Katy Allen to make Fire Station 33 a reality.

“You have a heartfelt thank you from the Fire Department,” said SJFD Fire Chief Darryl Von Raesfeld regarding the “turnkey” building of Station 33.

The result is a state-of-the-art two-story Fire Station with 6,200 square feet, double-bay garage. The building cost $4.4 million and the new fire engine and equipment costs were approximately $620,000. Fourteen fire fighters will staff the site location with separate dorm facilities, workout and turnout room, and kitchen. It is complete with a seismic retrofit, emergency generator with power for three full days and even a community room for residential meetings. The project was part of the City’s master plan of the area [which has garnered national awards] and planned to the very last detail.

Fire Station 33 is located at 2933 Saint Florian Way—the street is named after the Patron Saint of Firefighters. The fire house first response area includes Communication Hill to Capital Expressway and west of Hwy. 87 to Charter Park Drive. Second response covers Stations 18 on Monterey Hwy. and 13 on Pearl Ave. The building is dedicated in honor of Howard and Madge Overhouse.

“I wanted to say a few words about the Overhouse’s,” said District 24 State Assemblyman Jim Beall. “My relationship with them started before I was even born. My mom was a sorority sister with Madge at San Jose State and my dad knew Howard. We have a family that dedicated their lives to public service. We admire them and proud that the facility is named after the Overhouse’s. They were wonderful.”

Retired SJFD Capt. Joe Roberts’ talent for bagpipe playing as the honor guards started the ceremony. It is a tradition that started in the east and is played at memorials and dedications. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

Howard Overhouse was a member of the SJFD for 40 years from 1952 to 1992. He led the development of the response standards still in use today as well as the architect of the current day hydrant water system. Madge dedicated herself to the SJFD whether for a barbecue or issues that effected the department. She was also involved in the Democratic Party and even encouraged a young 28-year-old Beall to run for City Council.

Over 100 City officials, private company executives, SJFD personnel, and the Communications Hill community joined the celebration complete with the pomp and circumstance of honor guards and the traditional bagpipes at the opening of Fire Station 33.

“I’m a resident who lives right down the street,” said District 7 councilmember Madison Nguyen. District 2 is also part of the response area covered by Fire Station 33. “Thank you for this turnkey project. It is an essential part of the community here.”

Many residents, towing their excited children to meet fire fighters and climb on fire trucks, of Communication Hill attended the festivities and were pleased with the new service in their community.

“We’re excited to have the new fire station here,” said two year resident Andrea Leslie. “We really need them here.”

The firefighters, who call Station 33 their home away from home, were equally thrilled.

“We’re ecstatic to be here,” said Capt. Phil Demers. “We have great amenities and everything is new, the area, the building, the rig and we have a good group working at the station. And there’s a nice sense of community on the Hill.”