They say it takes a village to raise a child. In Chester, it took a community to build a firehouse addition. On April 1, 2010, Chester Hose Company broke ground on an ambitious venture to build an addition to its 40 year-old firehouse. The Chester Ambulance Association donated the initial $100,000 to the hose company to help offset the costs.

Through the next four years, the community responded when the hose company sought its support through a letter drive aimed at funding the project. Together with the help of local contractors and Chester Hose Company members volunteering their time, talent, and efforts, the project will be dedicated at an open house Sunday.

The Chester Hose Company invites the community to attend its Open House and dedication on Sunday, Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the firehouse on High Street. There will be a brief dedication ceremony at 11:30 a.m.