MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - It was a full house today as Meridian Township opened its doors to the new and improved Central Fire Station on the corner of Central Park Drive.

The entire room was packed with residents in the community, elected officials, as well as very excited firefighters who cannot wait to begin their new journey at this beautiful station.

"I couldn't be more excited about the day... it's been a long time coming and I'm so happy for everyone who was here, the residents who supported the fire station and the firefighters," said Fire Chief Fred Cowper.

A dedication ceremony took place earlier this afternoon and several people were truly humbled by all the hard work and dedication that went in to developing this fire station.

"It was an overwhelming turnout today, great support and again...maybe I'll come down from the clouds but I'm not too sure when though but it's ok to be up there right now,"Cowper said.

Even those who had dedicated their lives as volunteer firefighters were astounded by the new station.

"It's so nice...they need it," mentioned former Meridian Township volunteer firefighter Jerry Gieszer.

Even former Meridian Township volunteer firefighter Wayne Owen was ecstatic for this grand opening as well.

"I'm just really proud that this new fire station went in."

From a brand new community room, to new sleeping chambers, exercise equipment, to even new offices for these hard working firefighters...this Central Fire Station is enough to blow you away.

"This station is extraordinary, it's nothing short of being extraordinary. There's so may amenities in the station that will better serve our firefighters," mentioned Cowper.

In 2012, a $3.5 million bond was passed by 58% voters to create this station. Due to a few hurdles, construction of the Central Fire Station did not begin until spring of 2015.

After waiting for what seems like an eternity, the firefighter of this breathtaking new Central Fire Station are excited to grab their gear and move on in to begin this new journey at their new location.

"It wasn't about chasing a dream, it's about catching a dream and today we caught our dream and now we get to share it with everyone," Chief Cowper humbly mentioned.