LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Firefighters with Milton Fire & Rescue Station #2 say they have been responding to more calls than ever lately.
This was after they needed some help themselves.
The fire station along Highway 421 North is where volunteer firefighters like Andrew Stark spend much of their time.
"I spend more time here than I do at home," says Andrew Stark.
But just five months ago, Andrew Stark was scrambling for safety inside the fire station. A tornado hit the building on March 2nd.
"They say it's as loud as a freight train. It's about 10 times louder than that," says Stark, a volunteer firefighter.
The bathroom that Stark hid out in survived the tornado. The rest of the fire station didn't.
A fire truck was damaged, as well as a fish fry trailer they use to generate income for the volunteer fire department.
Everything inside the firehouse was thrown into a nearby field.
They were able to salvage some items from the old fire station, including helmets, fire gear, and even boots.
Through it all, they say the community pulled together to help.
The place they call home is finally up and running again, complete with more space and a new engine. A major donation from LG&E helped them buy a new fry truck to once again generate income.
The new fire station even includes even a room to be used for a shelter.
"Someone could be in here if a tornado ever hit ... again," says Chief Jason Long.
That's something Milton firefighters say they hope that never happens, so they can stay focused on one thing.
"It's just exciting for us, because we have a new station that's better able to assist us and assist the community...helping them and getting out there," says Chief Jason Long.
Fire officials say the hits have kept coming, including part of their budget from the county being recently cut.
They say they wanted to find a way to thank the community for stepping up to help them.
An open house is planned this upcoming Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Milton Fire & Rescue Station #2, to do just that as well as to give people tours!
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