Laurel shows off new fire and rescue facility to community

LAUREL, Neb. -- A northeast Nebraska community came out in full force to get a glimpse of a new fire and rescue facility.

The town of Laurel welcomed local community members to an open house and dedication for the new building and equipment. Food and prizes were also a part of the festivities in the Cedar County town.

Local dignitaries shared words of support as community members got their first in-depth look at the facility.

"A great deal of planning and hard work has gone into making this facility what it is today," Laurel Mayor Keith Knudsen said in a letter that was read to the crowd. "It's wonderful that this state-of-the art building will not only house much-needed emergency equipment, but will also provide much needed space training the volunteers who serve our citizens and communities so well."

The larger facility includes separate garage bays for ambulances and a station for washing trucks, in addition to a conference hall, kitchen and offices. The increased space also allowed for the department to purchase new equipment.

Fundraising, which included a matching grant from a nearby family, allowed construction on the facility to begin early last year, with the primary work completed by summer of this year.