Large numbers of residents and visitors started arriving early to the event.  They came into the building and wandered room to room, exclaiming over the open space and room for trucks and equipment.  At 2:00 it was hard to get them outside for the dedication.

Ivey Belch read a beautiful fire fighter’s prayer and then he prayed for the future of the building and the fire fighters.  Dick Jacoby, president of the Ocracoke Fire Protection Association welcomed the crowd.  He spoke about the contributions of the building committee, the OFPA board, and the many volunteers who had worked hard since 2003 to make the construction possible.  He expressed how grateful the community was for the generous donation of the land from the Hutcherson family.  He thanked Ernie Doshier for the work he has accomplished as the chairman of the building committee and for overseeing the construction. 

Albert O’Neal, OVFD fire chief thanked everyone for their support over the years in keeping this project moving. 

Dick uncovered the plaque and read the simple statement that is so meaningful to everyone involved:

Ocracoke Fire Protection Association

2014 

This building is dedicated to the Hutcherson

Family for their donation of the land and to the

many residents and friends of Ocracoke Island

who provided their support for its construction.

Joyce Reynolds, who served many years as the department’s chaplain, happened to be in town.  She gave the invocation that included asking for the continued safety of the fire fighters and their equipment and the community.

Following the ceremony, everyone was invited back in to continue their tour of the building and to have refreshments.

An Open House of the fire station will occur on the afternoon of May 24th from 2 – 4pm, prior to the beginning of the 9th annual Firemen’s Ball at the Community Center.  Everyone is invited to come out and support the Ocracoke Fire Department.

Photos courtesy of the Ocracoke Fire Department's Facebook page.