by LIZ GOFF
Firefighters at Engine Company 273 and Ladder 129 in Flushing are putting finishing touches on a facelift at the Union Street firehouse in preparation for an October Centennial Celebration.
City Councilmember John Liu last week joined firefighters and FDNY officials at the red brick building at 40-18 Union St., where the firefighters sent out an "alarm" to the community inviting them to join in festivities on October 22, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the firehouse.
Liu used the occasion to present firefighters with a birthday surprise, $775,000 in city funding earmarked for renovations that "will help turn this building into a state-of-the art, 21st century facility."
Firefighters, depended on contributions, dipped into their own pockets to pay for materials used in recently completed renovations. All renovations completed to date were made by firefighters working while off-duty, officials said.
The Centennial Celebration will include the dedication of two "Line of Duty" plaques honoring firefighters from the "273/129 House" who made the supreme sacrifice while battling blazes in the Flushing community.
Firefighter Larry Parker, who heads the Centennial Firehouse Celebration, said doors will open at the firehouse at 11 a.m. on October 22 for neighbors and friends who want to share in the celebration.
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