Port Richmond’s Engine 6 fire station officially returned to service on Thursday, January 9, 2025, after being closed for 16 years.
The reopening was made possible by a $22.4 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.
The station, located along the 2600 block of Belgrade Street in Philadelphia’s Port Richmond neighborhood, was among seven fire companies Port Richmond lost during the 2009 recession due to financial constraints.
At a celebratory event, Mayor Cherelle Parker expressed joy at the milestone, stating that all the fire stations closed during that period have been reopened.
She highlighted the reopening as an example of effective intergovernmental cooperation.
Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson reflected on the reopening of Engine 6 Port Richmond with nostalgia. He had spent much of his career working at the station, affectionately known among firefighters as “This Old House.”
He noted the station’s revival would enhance response times and better serve the community.
For residents, the reopening brought a sense of relief.
Longtime Riverwards resident Ken Wood mentioned that having a fire station back in the area means quicker emergency responses and alleviating the burden on neighboring communities.
Reopening Engine 6 in Port Richmond is a proud moment for the neighborhood. It marks real progress after the struggles of the 2009 recession.
