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On July 11th 2007, after a year of intensive work and research was completed by me, the State of Connecticut Department of Culture and Tourism awarded the firehouse I work in the coveted title of State of Connecticut Historic Building. This is a dream realized.

This is the West Shore Fire Headquarters in the city of West Haven, my "home away from home" for 30 years and where I am employed as a Fire Lieutenant. I have compiled information over the years on this edifice and I thought that it was about time that it should be recognized.

It was built in 1936 by the WPA and stands in a salient position in the West Shore area across from Long Island Sound. I hope to next have it recognized on the National Register of Historic places.

The photo you see here was shot by me on a July morning in 1977. It is one of my earliest photographs as I started my fire apparatus photograph hobby and it remains as one of my sentimental favorites. It shows 3 apparatus on the front apron (L-to R:) Engine 31, a 1948 Americam LaFrance 750gpm pumper/ 300 gallon water tank, Engine 32 in the center, a 1957 American LaFrance 750gpm pumper / 500water tank, and on the right,as you see it, a 1951 Diamond-T/ Maxim 500 gpm pumper/ 500 Gallon water tank. This rig was purchased at the time with Civil Defense Funds.

I have several members of my family who work here or are members here. I earn my living in this building and know its' history. Recognition by the state is more than I could have ever asked for.

My father George F. McKeon, (an honorary member of the Department and a moderator for the Fire Commission ) will help me dedicate a plaque honoring this building. It will be in memory of his father and my grandfather, Edward J. McKeon Sr., himself a life member of the West Shore Fire Department and a volunteer Firefighter and utility driver of apparatus.

The plaque will read as follows: 
    
         WEST SHORE
     FIRE  HEADQUARTERS
   ______________________
Connecticut Historical Landmark
   Awarded  July 11th, 2007
  _________________________
     Lt. Kevin R. McKeon
in memory of Edward J. McKeon , Sr.