Builder helps firefighters rebuild station as part of corporate mission.

When Barnegat Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 needed volunteers to help with the ongoing construction of their fire station, the Waiters Group was one of two local builders who came to the rescue.

Now, a 10-year effort to complete the fire station addition is moving forward, thanks to a $44,000 donation of labor and materials from the Waiters Group, a Barnegat-based residential and commercial real estate developer whose corporate mission to give back to the communities in which it is active has guided it towards numerous philanthropic efforts.

"I think it's fantastic that they've donated both labor and material," states David Breeden, Barnegat Township Administrator. "In the long run it saves the taxpayers money, and we're able to take that savings and allocate it to other services that the community needs."

"It's the right thing to do," said Ken DeMayo, vice president of construction. "We have a deep interest in the community."

"The developers have been wonderful," states Ed Richard, the volunteer fireman who has spearheaded the effort to get the 1,200-square-foot addition built. "It took some time but it's all coming together. Volunteers and donations are the only way to get it done."

The new addition built by the Waiters Group adds a number of essential amenities, including a kitchen area, two handicap-access bathrooms, and an office area for the volunteers who donate their time to the company.

The outer shell of the building was completed by K. Hovnanian along with two bay additions for the company's fire trucks.

The building improvements were necessary for the fire station to meet Board of Health codes and meet handicap-access guidelines.

"Besides enhancing and improving the firehouse it provides the firehouse the opportunity to raise additional revenue by renting the hall out." adds Breeden.

Walters recently completed the interior fit-out of the addition. The kitchen area renovation remains the last phase of the firehouse project. The fire company is currently seeking donations to install cabinetry and appliances for the kitchen area.