Kingfisher County District 2 Commissioner Ray Shimanek, Hennessey, cuts the ribbon during the official opening of the Hennessey Fire Department’s $1.9-million addition. “I’m proud that Hennessey was able to write the check for the full amount,” said Shimanek at the Tuesday, April 16, ribbon cutting event. Hennessey Fire Chief Brandon Scott thanked all three commissioners for their support in making the new facility possible. The 6,000 square foot addition includes a bay large enough for a ladder truck in the future. It also includes a decontamination shower for the volunteer firefighters, offices for communications administration, a large meeting room for classes (and for the public during weather emergencies) and large kitchen. Hennessey is among the eight municipal fire departments in the county that equally share a quarter-cent county sales tax and 13% of a halfcent county sales tax. Pictured right of Shimanek are Hennessey Assistant Fire Chief James Matousek (who avoids the giant ribbon- cutting scissors), and former Hennessey mayor and recently- retired Fire Chief Bert Gritz. Behind Matousek are District 3 Commissioner Heath Dobrovolny and Dist. 1 Commissioner Jeff Moss. Pictured left of Shimanek are Scott and his wife, Tabatha, and Mayor Clif Vogt. Other firefighters and town employees also attended the event that included a sandwich luncheon before commissioners were taken on a tour by Scott. Both Scott and Matousek worked with the architect on the plans and all other aspects to complete the addition that now gives the department a 12,000 square foot facility. [KT&FP Photo by Barb Walter]