Fire stations come in under budget and ahead of schedule

(From the City of Joplin)

After working out of temporary facilities for two and a half years, the Joplin Firefighters of Stations #2 and #4 will be pleased to be in permanent facilities by Christmas this year. And Joplin Fire Chief Mitch Randles is thrilled to have reached this point ahead of schedule and under budget.
On Monday, December 23, firefighters will be moving into Station #4 at 3402 Hearnes Boulevard. Last week, firefighters of Station #2 moved into their new facility at 2825 West Junge Boulevard (northeast corner of 13th & Schifferdecker). Both Fire Stations, #2 previously located at 2216 South Maiden Lane and Station #4 at 2010 East 15th Street, suffered catastrophic damage in the tornado.

“Relocating these stations affords fire staff the opportunity to provide better coverage, and close in on meeting the four-minute response time goals for the entire city,” said Randles. The Joplin Fire Department currently provides emergency services to the community’s 45 square miles from the six fire stations.

Randles noted that moving before the holidays is beneficial, but he is really pleased that overall, the two stations came in approximately $10,000 under budget. “Many worked hard on these projects, including my crews, and I appreciate everyone’s diligence to get the job done. They were both budget and time conscious during this process. Like many of our citizens, we’ve all been through a lot since 2011, so it will be gratifying to have these projects completed.”

Station #2 was budgeted for $1.63 million in construction costs and was completed for $1.618 million, saving $12,000; and Station #4 had a construction budget of $1.56 million and finished at $1.565. Rebuilding of the stations was funded by insurance proceeds, FEMA and SEMA, as well as City funds. RE Smith was the contractor for both stations which were originally scheduled for completion in early 2014.

Fire Station #2 has a similar design as Station #6 located at Central City and 32nd Street. With 7,200 square feet, it has two double depth drive-thru bays. It accommodates five firefighters and offers an exercise room and a decontamination room, in addition to normal living areas and a safe room.

Fire Station #4 is a two-story design, with a more historic style of red brick and arched windows. Randles said it is similar to a former fire station located at 19th and Wall Avenue. With two levels, the living quarters are on the upper level with a fire pole installed for quick access to the first floor that houses the fire gear and apparatus. The Department received the original brass firefighter’s pole from the former Station #2 on Wall Avenue earlier this year when the Lions Club, the building’s current tenant, donated it back to the Department. The 6,500 square foot building also has a staircase and elevator. It has two fire truck bays, sleeping quarters for five firefighters and a safe room.

The Fire Department will host a public open house for each station early in 2014. Announcements will be made in the news media as details are finalized.