The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan

Peru, NY – The long-anticipated expansion of the Peru Fire Station is underway. Fire Commissioner Chairman Chad Frechette explained, “The job started two Mondays ago (July 20, 2026). The demolition contractor is stripping the building down to the metal frame, removing the heating and air conditioning system. A new parking lot is being built east of the station,  adjacent to McDonald’s. We’ll lose most of the current parking lot because the building is being extended 50 feet toward Bear Swamp Road.” Many memories must have been passing through Frechette’s mind was the watched a small excavator demolish the former department meeting room.  Frechette was an active firefighter for 30 years before joining the Board of Commissioners.

The three major contractors on the project are Con Tech of Gouverneur, NY (General), Triangle Electrical Systems of Plattsburgh (Electrical), and L.H. Plante Co. Inc of Plattsburgh (HVAC and Plumbing). Frechette said plans are for the project to be completed sometime in spring 2027.

The department recently sold a pumper, leaving it with two pumpers and one tanker. A new pumper will be delivered in 2027. Department operations will continue, thanks to two additional bays behind the main station, the cooperation of other town departments, and nearby communities.

Peru Fire District voters approved the $6.65 million, 5,900 square foot,  expansion in a May 5, 2026 special election.