GHDPS uses vacant house for training prior to its demolition

Scott Bekins said he was happy to let the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety on Tuesday knock out windows and punch holes in the floor and walls of a house he owns across the street from his business. The owner of Bekins Audio Video & Appliance, 735 Washington Ave., watched briefly as the firefighters moved hoses and equipment to get ready for the next round of training. "I'm just glad these people could use it,' Bekins said. The house at 734 Washington Ave. had served primarily as a storage facility for the past 15-20 years.

Becky Vargo

Grand Haven

Apr 7, 2011

“It’s so important for them to be honed on their skills,” Bekins said of the firefighters. “When they get called, it’s a matter of life or death.”

Bekins purchased the house and the commercial building next door in February, and took possession of it in March. He plans to have the house demolished to make way for a parking lot or patio for the adjacent building.

“We’re working with the city on the facade grant,” he said. “We have a couple possible tenants and we want to refurbish it, if it’s economically viable.”

To read more of this story, see today's print edition of the Grand Haven Tribune.