A groundbreaking ceremony on Friday signaled the start of a construction project that will result in the first headquarters of the Department of Search and Rescue since it was established four years ago.
The headquarters will be built at the location of the EMS substation in Tafuna, at what used to be the FAA clubhouse.
Department Director Utumoe Alefosio said ARPA funding of about $1 million is funding the project. The facility will house the offices of the director, administrative staff, and a records room.
Succon Company has completed the design for the budling, and bids for a construction contractor will be advertised soon.
Rev. Aneli Fakaofo of the Congregational Christian Church in Amaua offered prayers at the ground breaking ceremony, asking for God’s protection and blessings for a successful and safe completion of the job ahead. He said any endeavor that is based on faith in God will be successful.
Lt. Governor Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr. commended the director and staff for striving to make improvements that are beneficial for the territory. 
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a brand new fire truck for the department from the Haleck Family, Haleck Enterprises, and Tradewinds Hotel.
Avamua Dave Haleck, in making the presentation, said the gift continues a legacy begun by his grandfather, Makisi Haleck, who donated motorcycles to the Department of Public Safety. Other members of the Haleck family have also made donations to the hospital and other community needs. He said he began searching for a fire truck after a series of fires destroyed buildings and homes in the Tuala-uta district. By the time fire trucks arrived from the Fagatogo station, the buildings had already burned to the ground. So he started searching for a fire truck that would hopefully be stationed at Tafuna to serve Tuala-uta and the western end of the island.
The cost of the brand new fire truck, including transportation costs and excise tax, is close to $80,000.
Photos: KVZK-TV
