BEACHWOOD- After more than six long years of delays and decision-making, definitive steps are being taken to construct a new first aid building.

           The Borough Council on Wednesday night adopted an ordinance appropriating $548,000 for the construction of a new building at its current site at 4 Beachwood Blvd. The measure authorizes the sale of $520,600 in bonds to finance the project. Bids will be advertised within several weeks.

             Councilwoman Beverly Clayton said that the First Aid Committee will meet today to review plans and develop an estimated cost for the total project. Clayton said that discussions for a new first aid building began around 2002, and finding a location was the chief reason for the delay. ”It was more cost effective to demolish the current building and build a new one“ Clayton said. Once construction begins, it should only take a few months to complete the new building, she said.

           The squad will work out of varying locations during construction. ”I’ve been coming to meetings about this for the past six years, Bill Riethoff, president of the squad and a member for 32 years, said after the meeting. ”We really appreciate that we’re finally getting going.“ Riethoff and Kevin Peck, another squad member, said the current building, built in the early 1940s, does not accommodate all four ambulances, but the new structure would have four bays for the vehicles, office space, training facilities and up date amenities, ”The old building is starting to fall apart. We don’t want to sink any more money into it, Riethoff said. ”We can’t wait,’ Peck added.

          There are currently 25 active members on the squad, all of whom are Emergency Medical Services certified. Riethoff said the squad is always looking for more volunteers, and anyone interested in joining the squad should visit www.beachwoodfas.org.