For months now, the Pedernales Fire Department has had to call a makeshift former real estate office home. But that will soon change.

A new station is nearing completion on the site of the old firehouse, which was torn down to make room for a newer, modern facility that will meet the needs of the department’s growing population.

In 2007, Emergency Services District 8, which governs the department, came to the realization that the condition of its original station was too eroded for a renovation.

“The original fire station at 801 Bee Creek Road was built in stages,” said Mary Christopher, administrative assistant to Fire Chief Ken Van Rens. “Originally, it was just a large barn type structure, built in 1976, that was used to house vehicles and other equipment.”

But in those days, the department was strictly a volunteer department.

“Over the years, other sections were added to create space for offices, Emergency Medical Services storage, a kitchen, and a training room,” Christopher said. “During the last few years, the main structure was slowly but surely beginning to fall apart.”

Worse still, Christopher noted, the quarters for firefighters were “very inadequate.”

ESD 8 mulled the dilemma, but came to realize its only logical choice was to start from scratch,

“It was decided that building a completely new station was the only prudent solution,” Christopher said. “ESD Board members Alan Graif, Leonard Huber, Mike Claypool, Mike Person and H.C. Lott spent many hours working with Chief Ken Van Rens to plan the new station, get funding and move into the construction phase.”

Christopher said the entire project was a labor of love, as well as a true group effort.

“PFD board members Tod Grubbs, John Roye, Larry Arms, Bruce Perkins, Laura King and John Phillips also worked closely with Chief Van Rens and Assistant Chief Mark Warren and the ESD Board during all the planning and transition phases,” she said.

For Van Rens, the new station is simply a necessity.

“The new station was designed to serve the district and the community for many years,” Van Rens said. “The station was also designed to serve the increasing population in our district.”

The old station was demolished in the spring of 2008 and construction on the new station officially commenced in October 2008. After K.A. Hickman Architects completed the plans, Braun & Butler was hired to take charge of construction. Richard All was the construction manager. Meanwhile Lott kept a close eye on the project as the construction supervisor for the ESD 8. ArborMaster worked closely with Lott to design and install the landscaping.

ESD 8 and the fire department have long been a tight-knit group that worked closely with its community, and its many faithful volunteers were quick to step up to the plate to help.

“The PFD Auxiliary raised more than $25,000 to pay for all the appliances and furnishings for the crew quarters and kitchen, as well as appliances for the community kitchen,” Christopher said. “All these funds came from generous individuals and businesses within the general area of our district. The department is very fortunate to have many long-term supporters within the community.”

While the fire department will slowly be moving into its new digs, celebrations are planned, starting in September to make it official.

One of the first events at the new station will be a concert and barbecue fund raiser, featuring “Two Tons of Steel.” In addition to the food and music, a silent auction is planned. Christopher said there will be “tons of fun for everyone.” The concert and barbecue will start at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26. For ticket information, call 264-736l. The PFD Auxiliary and Matthew Franek will produce the event. All profits go to support the fire department.