BROOKINGS Plans for a new fire station in downtown Brookings drew dozens of people to a public open house on Sept. 27, where firefighters shared information on the proposed $4 million facility.
I am very excited that this much-needed project is moving forward. We had approximately 75 visitors, Brookings Fire Department Chief Troy Hughes told the Brookings Register. As the project matures, we will set up a public website so our citizens can monitor our progress.
If built, the facility would be on city-owned land just west of the existing fire station, which is at 307/309 Third Ave. and shares the building with the Brookings Police Department.
Fire stations typically last 60-80 years, so we are working hard to make sure this station meets all our current needs and has some capacity to meet future needs throughout the life of this new fire station, Hughes said.
Among the people stopping to pay a visit was Aurora resident Tony Ahartz.
Im on the volunteer fire department in Aurora we work closely with (the Brookings Fire Department), he said. I just want to see what kind of new building theyre getting always looking forward to learning new stuff.
Praise for Brookings firefighters, and their plans for a new station, came from other quarters as well.
I was a firefighter for 35 years, and so I keep track of Brookings, resident Tom Fairbanks said. We are good, (and) we deserve a new station you can see the scratches on top of the door; the trucks shouldnt fit in there, (so) you need a new station.
Fairbanks, who has also lived in Vermillion, Eagle Butte and Gettysburg, added, Brookings is very lucky, they should be very proud. Look at all this equipment theres a tremendous responsibility to take care of all this stuff and keep it up. Brookings is right on the top edge.
That means something coming from a fellow who has innate knowledge of such matters.
I used to sell fire equipment, and these guys have probably the nicest line-up in South Dakota, other than the paid guys, Fairbanks concluded. This is a volunteer fire department. Look at these trucks! Millions and millions of dollars sitting in this station.
Those trucks will have a new home if things go to plan, but theres several hoops to jump through yet, such as soil testing and, in spring, bidding.
Per information from the city, the new station will be designed for health, safety, storage, training and long-term adaptability. Furthermore, Hughes thinks it’s essential for the future of public safety in Brookings.
Our growing community needs and deserves this, he said.
Brookings resident Norma Johnson took part in the open house as well, and she offered a heartfelt observation.
Its a great day and we need to see all these trucks to see how beautiful they are and what they help people out with, she said. I hope I never have to use them, or have them come to my house, but theyre good people.
Contact Mondell Keck at [email protected].
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