MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - With rain or shine the ceremony must go on; and today the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Central Fire Station in Meridian Township did just that.

With a cloudy sky, cold temperatures, and slightly damp weather conditions, excitement still shined as the ceremony took place.

The ceremony was held on March 31st at the corner of Central Park Drive and Okemos Road, where the new station will be located.

All members from the Township Board were in attendance, as well as many Township employees including members from the fire and police departments. The ceremony was also open to the public.

Five short speeches were given before everyone made their way outside the tent to witness the "groundbreaking".

Meridian Township Fire Chief Fred Cowper, the Township Board, along with others who were part of making the construction possible, geared up with fire hats and shovels and broke the ground together.

Chief Cowper said, "I really appreciate everyone who had a personal touch on the station. I really appreciate the residents for their support and going to the polls and making it happen; all the leadership that we have in the township and the great effort that we get from our firefighters."