EASLEY — The Crosswell Fire District, which serves nearly 2,000 structures in Pickens County, will have a ribbon cutting for its new fire station at noon, Dec. 8. The station is located at the intersection of Kay Drive and Saluda Dam Road.

The station will then have a grand opening for residents in the district to tour the facility from noon–3 p.m. Dec. 12.

“This is a very exciting time for us,” said Jeff Lee, chairman of the board of governors for the district. “We have worked tirelessly in recent years to build this station in an effort to provide excellent fire protection for everyone in the district. We are excited that we are seeing these efforts from to fruition.”

The district has hired a chief, Scott Smith, and three full-time firefighters. The district also has signed a contract with the city of Easley to continue providing fire service through 2010. The contract period will enable Crosswell to keep its longstanding relationship with Easley while it hires more firefighters in an effort to be completely self-sustaining. Because of its relationship with the city, most of the district currently enjoys a low ISO rating and hopes to maintain that rating during the transition.

Smith, a native of Easley with nearly 20 years of firefighting experience, was previously a firefighter for the Vineyards Fire Department in Pickens County and also served as a regional supervisor with the South Carolina Fire Academy’s regional office in Greenville.

The Crosswell Fire District began a process several years ago to build a station in the district, which covers approximately 22 square miles between Easley and Greenville County. The district currently contracts with the city of Easley to provide fire protection.

The district has purchased a pumper truck, which was put into service by the city in the spring.

“We hope to have a good crowd for the ribbon cutting and the grand opening,” Lee said. “We are proud of this new facility and look forward to showing it off to the community. We are having the ribbon cutting in conjunction with our annual meeting and we would really like to see a good turnout for all the events.”

The ribbon cutting will coincide with the district’s annual meeting, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. that evening at the station.

Agenda for the meeting will include:

• Read and approve minutes from last year’s meeting.

• Treasurer’s report.

• Announcement of new contract with the city of Easley to help operate the new fire station on Saluda Dam Road.

• New fire fees.

• Election of members to the board of governors.

• Set date for the next annual meeting.

• Other business and questions.

For more information, contact Lee at 295-4996.