Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company gets help with renovation costs
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Going beyond the duties of fighting fires and attending to emergencies, Undercliff Volunteer Fire Company provides a weekend getaway for the community with its Friday night bingo, a safe space in times of need and a polling place on Election Day.
Beginning as a bucket brigade in 1909, the department has been a vital part of Shaler Township’s community.
Without any major renovations since 1986, the fire station at 700 Mount Royal Blvd. is slowly deteriorating. Missing floor tiles, water damage to the ceiling and broken doors have raised concern for the safety of the firefighters and the public that utilizes the space.
Lowe’s Hometown, a community impact project, donated $160,000 to Undercliff for renovations to improve the ceilings, walls, doors, heating units, stairs and bathrooms.
The firefighters at Undercliff said the grant was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“It’s hard for us to find funding opportunities for volunteer firefighting,” said Ryan Pontzloff, firefighter and grant writer at Undercliff. “It’s definitely an exciting time in the company’s history.”
Pontzloff explained that the fire company primarily puts the funding they receive into life-saving equipment, leaving little to no resources to put into capital improvement projects.
The company uses its own money from fundraising to do one project for the building each year. This grant will relieve the pressure that comes with repairs.
“We would like to have that space looking nice and better for the public because they deserve it,” Pontzloff said. “You can’t let your space get too far gone before you’re forced to do something about it.”
The Lowe’s Hometowns project has focused on revamping vital community spaces across the country since 2022. The company awarded $10 million to 100 nonprofits this year, benefitting 88 communities in 44 states and Washington, D.C.
A Lowe’s associate who volunteers at Undercliff put in the submission for the award — Lowe’s asked that the person not be named.
The submission went through a board of decision-making process that included Lowe’s partner Point of Light, a nonprofit community impact adviser and implementation partner.
“We value that partnership with them [first responders] and always look for opportunities to support them, including in this example, revitalizing their firehouse,” said Alex Stempovschi, district manager at Lowe’s. “(Undercliff) certainly deserved the nomination.”
Beyond the money given to the fire department, Lowe’s associates will volunteer to help with parts of the renovation. This is part of Lowe’s “give back time” where they pay associates who participate in a renovation.
Not only does this makeover benefit the community, Pontzloff said it will help increase recruitment and retention.
With six volunteer fire companies in Shaler, it is important that Undercliff makes its space appealing.
“With us being volunteers it’s hard to get people here, get on the trucks and get out the door quickly,” Pontzloff said.
On top of the lounge that contains a TV, couches, a pool table and poker table, the new halls, stairs and bathrooms will make it welcoming to volunteers.
“One of the biggest things we are looking forward to is seeing the expressions on everybody’s face when we reopen bingo,” said fire chief John Ganter.
Ganter said the only unfortunate part of this process is that he could not individually thank every person involved.
Renovations are projected to start in July and wrap up by Nov. 15.