Virginia Holds Open House For New “Public Safety Building”

VIRGINIA, Minn. — On the Iron Range, the city of Virginia hosted an open house to introduce locals to its new “Public Safety Building.”

The new, 50,000 square-foot building will be the new home of the city’s police, fire department, ambulance, and search and rescue teams, and is a major upgrade for all the new residents moving in.

The facility has been a long time coming for the city, and while the job isn’t easy, the community has come together to show support for their safety crews.

“Behind me are the people that do all the work, that dedicate their time, dedicate their efforts, do everything they can to support this community, and I am humbled to stand behind in front of them and support them 100% I always have, I always will, and this community should too,” said Virginia Mayor Larry A. Cuffe Jr.

However, with the move to a new facility, those who have spent their careers there know that they’ll be leaving some memories behind.

“It just means a lot to us, you know?” Said the city’s Fire Chief Scott Fredrickson, who has served with the V.F.D for over 2 decades.

“It’s where we grew up here, you know, and where we learned the job and we’re taught the job, and (it’s) just like moving out of your parents’ home, right? You know, and then the home sold, (and you think) ‘What? it’s my house,’ you know?”

“It’s absolutely bittersweet… more sweet” said Fredrickson.

The departments are not quite moved in yet, though they’re hoping to be in the building in the weeks ahead.