Upper Macungie Township officials, firefighters, and community leaders gathered July 22 to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Upper Macungie Township Fire and Rescue Station 57 at 37 Grim Road.

The ceremony, which began at 10 a.m., marked the start of construction of a centralized fire station designed to serve one of Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing communities.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff Fleischaker called the event one of the most rewarding moments of public service.

“When I get to stand up proud of my community, proud that I live in Upper Macungie, and proud of the staff and volunteer fire service that bring us to moments like today,” Fleischaker said. “Today, as we break ground on a new centralized fire station for Station 57, we mark a new chapter in that history.”

Fleischaker praised the township’s volunteer firefighters for their 115 years of service and said the new station represents Upper Macungie’s continued investment in emergency services.

“We’re looking forward to what tomorrow brings in Upper Macungie and with our volunteer fire service,” he said.

State Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-16th, congratulated township officials and first responders, noting his own family’s connection to Upper Macungie.

“The Lehigh Valley is one of the quickest-growing areas in the commonwealth, and Upper Macungie is one of the fastest-growing townships,” Coleman said. “It’s so important to see our continued growth in support of our emergency services.”

Coleman presented a Pennsylvania Senate certificate recognizing the groundbreaking and the commitment of Upper Macungie Township Fire and Rescue Station 57 to protecting the community.

The certificate also recognized the merger of the Fogelsville Fire Company, Goodwill Fire Company, and Upper Macungie Township Station 56, which combined to form Upper Macungie Township Fire and Rescue Station 57.

In addition to expanded operational and emergency response space, the new station will feature a Fire History Museum, preserving the stories, equipment, and traditions that have shaped the department throughout its history while educating future generations about the township’s firefighting legacy.

The project is being completed by Upper Macungie Township (owner), Godshall Kane O’Rourke Architects (architect), Alvin H. Butz, Inc., (construction manager), Snyder Hoffman Associates (MEP engineer), Herbert, Rowland and Grubic, Inc., (civil engineer), and Baker, Ingram and Associates (structural engineer).

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Representing general manager of Alvin H. Butz, Mike Butz thanked the township for entrusting the company with another major project following completion of the township’s new community center.

“We’re very grateful to be a community partner,” Butz said. “This project is really important. This area is growing at a rapidly fast pace, and any investment you make in services like these will be well felt by the community.”

Fire Commissioner Pete Christ said the new station represents far more than a building.

“Today we’re not simply breaking ground for a new building,” Christ said. “We’re breaking ground on an investment in public safety, community resilience, and the future well-being of everyone who lives, works, and visits our community.”

“It will stand as a symbol of preparedness, professionalism, and pride,” he added.

He thanked township officials, municipal staff, architects, engineers, contractors, community partners, residents, and members of the fire department for making the project possible.

Following the remarks, elected officials and firefighters participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking before gathering for group photographs.

At the conclusion of the event, Jazmin Vazquez, township secretary and executive assistant, reminded attendees that the township’s next public safety milestone will take place during National Night Out.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the future Upper Macungie Township Police Station is scheduled for 3 p.m. Aug. 4 at the corner of Grange and Cetronia roads.