Laytonsville Mayor Dan Prats, along with members of the town council, recently presented a $10,000 check to the Laytonsville District Fire Department for its building fund.

Prats said the council passed a resolution in November to authorize the donation, which will be paid through the town’s general fund.

Prats said the town has worked with the fire department to raise funds for the station’s $2 million building and expansion project, which is underway and expected to be completed this fall. The town hosted events with proceeds going to the station and worked with local legislators to secure a $150,000 bond bill for the project.

The station, at 21400 Laytonsville Road, opened in 1966. Although the community has expanded more than 10 times, the facility has changed little since then.

Bunk beds are crammed into the sleeping quarters, with little clearance between the ceiling and top bunk. There is limited personal storage space, the locker rooms lack privacy, the exercise equipment is in the dining area and the kitchen is furnished with standard residential appliances.

Chief Buddy Sutton said the station has far exceeded its life span and presents significant physical limitations that do not meet the needs of the community or national standards.

“We’ve just outgrown it,” Sutton said. “The expansion and renovation will be better all the way around, and will help us to serve the community better.”

By Terri Hogan Staff Writer with The Gazette