October 4, 2007

Communication Hill has a new resident—Fire Station 33

By Jeanne Carbone Lewis
Staff Writer

Much like a platoon of firefighters extinguishes a burning building, a team of city and community leaders worked together to build San Jose Fire Station No. 33 on Communication Hill. Their efforts were celebrated at the grand opening of the new facility Sept. 22.

KB Home South Bay Division President Chris Apostolopoulos, far left, Franklin McKinley School District President John Lindner, Richard Overhouse, District 24 State Assemblyman Jim Beall, District 7 Councilmember Madison Nguyen, San Jose City Manager Debra Figone and SJFD Fire Chief Darryl Von Raesfeld cut the ribbon for the official opening of Station 33. Photos by Jeanne Carbone Lewis

A fire station became a priority on the hill with 5,000 planned residences, school, park, retail and recreation in the area that once was the site of the first prune orchard in California. Fire Station 33 is a “turnkey” facility that was funded by private development.

“This new facility on Communication Hill will enhance the service to the community here and the fire calls that happen off the top of the hill,” said San Jose Fire Chief Darryl Von Raesfeld. “And it increases are daily fire personnel to 197 firefighters on duty. Fire Station 33 represents a unique opportunity and you have a heartfelt thank you from the fire department.”

The unique opportunity of Fire Station 33 is the teams that made the facility possible. The half-acre site was donated by Rob Bettencourt of MTA Properties, with Kenneth Rodriguez & Partners as architects, KB Homes developed the project and even provided the fire apparatus with contractor Gonsalves and Stronck Construction Company all working together with the SJFD, City Manager Debra Figone and Director of Public Works Katy Allen to make Fire Station 33 a reality.

The result is a state-of-the-art two-story fire station with 6,200 square feet and double-bay garage. The building cost $4.4 million and the new fire engine and equipment costs were approximately $620,000. Fourteen firefighters will staff the site with separate dorm facilities, workout and turnout rooms and a kitchen. It is complete with a seismic retrofit, emergency generator with power for three full days and a community room for residential meetings. The project was part of the city’s master plan of the area, which has garnered national awards.

Fire Station 33 is located at 2933 Saint Florian Way—the street is named after the patron saint of firefighters. The firehouse first response area includes Communication Hill to Capital Expressway and west of Highway 87 to Charter Park Drive. Second response covers stations 18 on Monterey Highway and 13 on Pearl Avenue. The building is dedicated in honor of Howard and Madge Overhouse.

“I wanted to say a few words about the Overhouses,” said District 24 Assemblymember Jim Beall. “My relationship with them started before I was even born. My mom was a sorority sister with Madge at San Jose State and my dad knew Howard. They are a family that dedicated their lives to public service. We admire them and are proud that the facility is named after the Overhouses. They were wonderful people.”

SJFD Capt. Phil Demers and Scott Diehl are part of the 14 crewmembers at Engine Company 33.

Howard Overhouse was a member of the SJFD for 40 years from 1952 to 1992. He led the development of the response standards still in use today and served as the architect of the current hydrant water system. Madge dedicated herself to the SJFD whether for a barbecue or issues that effected the department. She also was involved in the Democratic Party and even encouraged a young 28-year-old Beall to run for city council.

Over 100 city officials, private company executives, SJFD personnel and the Communications Hill community joined the celebration complete with the pomp and circumstance of honor guards and traditional bagpipes at the fire station opening.

“I’m a resident who lives right down the street,” said District 7 Councilmember Madison Nguyen. District 2 is also part of the response area covered by Fire Station 33. “Thank you for this turnkey project. It is an essential part of the community here.”

Many residents of Communication Hill, towing their excited children to meet firefighters and climb on fire trucks, attended the festivities and were pleased with the new service in their community.

“We’re excited to have the new fire station here,” said Andrea Leslie. “We really need them here.”

The firefighters, who call Station 33 their home away from home, are equally thrilled.

“We’re ecstatic to be here,” said Capt. Phil Demers. “We have great amenities and everything is new, the area, the building, the rig and we have a good group working at the station. And there’s a nice sense of community on the Hill.”