EAST PROVIDENCE — The cold outside did little to chill the enthusiasm inside Sunday afternoon, Dec. 7, as several dignitaries, residents and firefighters gathered for the formal reopening of the East Providence Fire Department's headquarters at Station 1 on Broadway.

Acting City Manager Paul Lemont served as master of ceremonies, opening the day by lauding the efforts of all involved in being to "take the round corners and fallen down abutments and turning into what I think is a magnificent building and one that will last for many years to come."

Special guest U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island) was the keynote speaker of the event, which officially brought to a close the near two-year effort to refurbish both Station 1 and its counterpart, Station 4 on Wampanoag Trail.

The EPFD hub, the building dating back some seven decades, proved to be the more difficult of the projects. Station 4 officially reopened back in the spring of this year. EPFD administration, including Chief Oscar Elmasian, took up temporary digs in the Sweetland House on Senior Center grounds until moving back to headquarters last month.

"This is a good day to celebrate," said Sen. Reed. "I want to thank FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Administration) for its terrific support of our public safety officials."

The senator noted FEMA had authorized funding for the project to the tune of $5.3 million from Recovery Act.

He continued, "Renovating these facilities is a significant benefit to the firefighters who work here and the City of East Providence…It's a great moment to celebrate in a great community."

While acknowledging all those involved in the process, Chief Elmasian thanked "the residents of the City of East Providence for their continued respect and support of the East Providence Fire Department."

Recently selected Council president and mayor Tommy Rose presented several benefactors of the projects for their donations. Cardi's Furniture, Frontline Fitness, American Surplus Storage and Shelving and J&S Office Supply and Installation were each presented with a citation for their generous gifts.

The event came to a close with Sen. Reed, Chief Elmasian and Mr. Rose cutting a ceremonial red ribbon. Guests were next allowed to tour the building to view the improvements firsthand.