Newport News celebrated a ceremony Friday, Feb. 13 for its first new fire station in more than a decade. City leaders broke ground at the new station near Jefferson Ave. and Bland Blvd. and expect completion in 18 months. The facility will replace a temporary fire station that has operated since 2010.
Fire Chief Wesley Rogers is excited for the construction of the station. At the ceremony he said, “The location of this station will improve our response times here in the north end of Newport News.”
During the ceremony, Rogers announced the new station would honor former Chief Larry Orie, who made history as the department’s first African American firefighter in 1968. Orie became chief in 1991. Orie, after reflecting on his legacy, shared his hopes for how future generations will remember him.
“I hope they think of a person who was born, grew up, stayed in Newport News for my whole life,” he said. “I’m still living in Newport News and I love this city.”
The ceremony included bagpipe performances and paid tribute to the department’s history. Retired Capt. Wayne Berry was also in attendance at the ceremony.
“Each new station represented more than brick and mortar, they presented commitment,” he said.
This construction marks a significant investment into public safety for the northern part of the city.
Newport News man accused of robbing a bank in Roanoke
U.S. Marshals arrested 43-year-old Christopher Brian Havens in connection with a bank robbery in Roanoke County. Havens was taken in custody Wednesday, Feb. 11, in Marion, Va., according to an update from Roanoke County Police.
The robbery took place on Feb. 11 in the afternoon at the Member One Federal Credit Union on Electric Road. The police reported no injuries or weapons displayed during the event.
Investigations identified Havens using security footage at the credit union. The footage showed Havens during the robbery wearing a long-sleeve button-up shirt, jeans and a Vans-branded baseball cap – the same outfit he was later arrested in.
Charges against Havens are currently pending as the case remains under active investigation by the Roanoke County Police Department.
