Expansion project set to begin for local fire station

Firefighters in Madison County are living in new quarters as the fire department undergoes a major renovation. The construction will add a second story to the station.

The fire department said the bays for the fire trucks and ambulances are not being moved so the station will continue to operate, but for about a year firefighters will be living in cramped quarters.

“We are keeping up with the growth of the city. It is going to allow us to operate better, function better, as well as have better living quarters for ourselves so we can train better and be comfortable,” said Capt. Robert Kohler.

Kohler said the addition of a second story will create more comfort. The expansion also includes remodeling the living quarters with more bedrooms and remodeling the training areas.

“Lately there has been people in the couch because all of the bedrooms are taken up so we are bursting at the seams,” Kohler said.

Construction will start Monday and firefighters have already moved out. Most of them will be living in a building behind the current station.

“We are here for 24 hours a day and there are three shifts. We start work at 7:30 in the morning and work until 7:30 the next morning so we need somewhere to stay. There are five bedrooms in the temporary building,” Kohler said.

Kohler said some people will be staying at satellite stations.

“It is a little close quarters, but it is a big benefit to us and we all realize the benefit that is coming,” Kohler said.

The expansion will cost $1.5 million. A community grant will help pay for the construction. The Madison County Fire Department said construction should be complete within a year.