Station 41 is Newcastle Fire's new home

The Newcastle Fire Protection District (NFPD) has a new home in Station 41. The Newcastle District welcomed the community and representatives from Placer County, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and partner fire agencies to its dedication ceremony Tuesday. The event included speeches from public officials, including Board Chair and District 3 Supervisor Jim Holmes and Assemblyman Joe Patterson, and recognition of contributors, including the Newcastle community, United Auburn Indian Community, USDA and Jerold Saladana, who donated the land on which the firehouse was built. "... Those of you who are residents of Newcastle, finally I can say, 'Welcome to YOUR house,' " said William Kahrl, chair of the NFPD Board. "Thank you for making it possible, and thank you for your patience, your confidence and your support throughout the many years it's taken us." The station, located at 9350 Old State Highway just off Interstate 80, is a 6,939 square-foot building with living quarters, multiple bathrooms, a reception area and apparatus room. Speakers detailed how the addition of the firehouse will allow the district to better serve the community and their appreciation for the collective effort made to make the plan a reality. Saladana shared the family's history and how the land was obtained. "I know all the members here are really excited about what this station affords them for their health, for their safety and for the community because they're able to service this community better from this location," said Clayton Thomas, president of the Nevada County Professional Firefighters IAFF, Local 3800. Plaques of dedication were unveiled during the ceremony. Jonita Elder, vice chair of the NFPD Board, shared the board created three plaques for the station: to honor the donation of land by the Saladana family, to honor the opening of Station 41 and a memorial to honor the longtime employees of the district's history. Patterson also presented the district with a resolution honoring the occasion, which he said was his first since taking office. According to an Auburn Journal report, funding to construct the station included a $3.7 million loan from the USDA's Community Facilities Direct Loan Program and tax dollars the district began collecting after the passing of Measure B in 2013. The ceremony closed with the traditional push of historic engine 8481 into the station to christen the new firehouse and a tour of the facilities. The community is invited to attend an open house and tour of the station from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22. Hot dogs and refreshments will be provided by the Newcastle Firefighters Association.