A long-awaited day arrived in Reading as the community celebrated the ribbon cutting and dedication of the new 9th and Marion Fire Station Saturday morning, September 21. City officials, firefighters, and local dignitaries gathered to unveil the state-of-the-art facility, which will now serve as a central hub for emergency services in the city.
The ceremony began with Chief James Stoudt welcoming a crowd of community members, city leaders, and former fire department personnel. The event opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation from retired firefighter and chaplain, Serge Keith Eschleman, who expressed gratitude for the turnout and the chance to see familiar faces.
Chief Stoudt expressed the significance of the new station, calling it a “long overdue” development for the city’s fire department. “It’s something that many of our members thought they’d never see,” Stoudt said, acknowledging the years of hard work that led to the creation of the new building. He then invited Mayor Eddie Morán to share his thoughts on the occasion.
Mayor Eddie Morán delivered a passionate speech, celebrating the culmination of years of effort that led to the opening of the new 9th and Marion Fire Station. He spoke of the station’s long journey, starting with former Councilman Strat Marmarou’s early advocacy over 15 years ago.
“The journey to this began more than 15 years ago when former Councilman Strat Marmarou and his wife visited the old station built in 1883. He saw firsthand the deteriorating conditions and knew that something had to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of our firefighters and our community,” Morán explained.
The mayor credited Marmarou’s persistence, stating, “Strat never stopped advocating for this new station, and we are deeply grateful for that vision.” He also expressed his gratitude for the collaboration between the city, federal government, and local officials, specifically acknowledging the Biden-Harris administration for providing $5 million in ARPA funds, which helped make the $9 million project possible.
“This new station will provide our firefighters with modern resources they need to do their job safely and effectively,” Morán added, emphasizing the city’s deep respect for the fire department. He shared a personal story from his time as a bridge and tunnel police officer in New York City, where he gained an appreciation for the bravery of firefighters. “Let the real guys handle it,” Morán recalled being told during his training, highlighting the specialized skill of the fire department.
Former Councilman Strat Marmarou also took the stage to recount the personal experience that drove him to push for a new fire station at 9th and Marion. Marmarou shared a touching story about how, during a visit to the old firehouse with his wife, he was shocked by the poor living conditions the firefighters had to endure.
“My wife had to use the facilities, and we heard some screaming,” Marmarou explained. “The place was filthy—bugs and everything else—where people are trying to save lives and had to live like this while working.”
That visit became the catalyst for Marmarou’s determination to make a change. “I made up my mind then I was going to do something,” he said. From that point, he began advocating with city council and other local leaders, leading to the eventual groundbreaking of the new station. “It took from 2016 to today, but we made it happen,” Marmarou remarked proudly.
The former councilman concluded by expressing his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the project and came to the dedication ceremony, recognizing the efforts of firefighters and the entire community in making the new station a reality.
Councilman Wesley Butler, representing the district where the firehouse stands, shared a heartfelt reflection of growing up near the old station and how the fire trucks always fascinated him as a child. “I used to wonder why they didn’t have a bigger space for the fire trucks. Well, today, that dream is a reality,” Butler said. He commended the city council and administration for their dedication to making the new firehouse a priority.
Chief Stoudt concluded the ceremony by acknowledging the importance of preserving the legacy of the old 9th and Marion firehouse. He noted that parts of the original building—including the cornerstone and brass plaques—would be integrated into the new structure. Additionally, pieces of historical equipment, such as an original fire alarm box used during a significant fire at Boscov’s department store, were donated and will be displayed.
The new station includes modern amenities designed to improve safety and efficiency for firefighters. Features include heated floors to combat snow and ice, dedicated decontamination rooms, and spacious engine bays for the fire trucks, addressing the cramped conditions of the previous station. “There was a lot of thought put into this place,” Stoudt said.
After the speeches, attendees were invited to tour the new facility, explore the fire trucks, and meet the local firefighters who will call the station home.
