The Lehigh Valley Health Network demonstrated its commitment to the continued firefighting efforts in Schuylkill County by donating money toward a building for firefighters.

The funds will be used for a 1,800-square-foot pole building measuring 30 by 60 by 10 feet at the Schuylkill County Volunteer Firefighters Association property at 25 Firemans Road, Ryan Township.

“I’m happy to report today that Lehigh Valley Hospital is making a $50,000 commitment to the completion of this building,” William Reppy, president of Lehigh Valley Hospital Schuylkill and vice president of the northwest region, said Wednesday.

Reppy said he knows the self sacrifice firefighters go through in contributing to the betterment of the area.

“I think that it’s very important to show our support to the first responders, and EMTs. We know that they are our eyes, ears and our hands on the street each and every day as a health care system and so we think the support is very important for that to continue,” Reppy said.

The building, which will be constructed in the northeast corner of the property, will be insulated and heated, have two entry doors and four garage doors, a classroom space, a rehabilitation area and storage space. Maximum occupancy is 30 people.

Construction of the building will occur in less than a month, Eric Eichberg, lead trustee with the firefighters association, said. Occupancy is by the end of the year, he said. This is the second structure built by the company. In all, it will be the seventh structure on the site and the fifth in five years.

David Sattizahn, president of the firefighters association, said he appreciates the contributions from the Schuylkill Commissioners and others.

Eichenberg said the cost for the building is “just shy of $100,000,” adding no financing is needed for the project because of other contributions such as LVHN.

Of the amount, the commissioners contributed $15,000 toward the building, which was to come out of CARES money but actually came out of the general fund. Another $15,000 was given for training.

Commissioners Gary Hess, George Halcovage Jr. and Barron “Boots” Hetherington, Rep, Jerry Knowles, Schuylkill/Berks/Carbon, Frank Zukas, Schuylkill Economic Development Corp. and others attended.

Halcovage mentioned the recent death of Nyah-Ann Barnwell, of Minersville, who died Sunday after a house fire Friday.

He said with the training firefighters receive they were able to “give that girl a chance.”

Hetherington said the firefighters are essential to the community.

Hess said the training firefighters receive benefits everyone.