Those plans, still in the preliminary stages, call for Lincoln Fire and Rescue's 17th and 18th stations to take shape near 40th Street and Yankee Hill Road in 2022 and near 112th and A streets in 2025.  

The plans aren't a priority for the department, which is focused on replacing its aging fire rigs and completing work on the four stations currently under construction. Despain and Public Safety Director Tom Casady said the fire department's experiences as it sought to build stations over the last two years have reinforced the importance of acting early.

The space can house four firefighters, though current staffing levels are only at three, with firefighters working 24-hour shifts.  

Voters passed a five-year fire levy in 2016, which brings in roughly $1.4 million a year — used to halt layoffs and secure revenue for the department, per previous reporting. A $1.5 million bond was taken out in 2017 to pay for new east and west side stations, but plans have stalled since then. The new east side station will cost an estimated $790,095, plus an additional $31,000 for a pull-through bay.  

These engine companies will have at least one system certified Fire/Paramedic allowing them the ability to provide advanced life-saving interventions.  

This ability gives the patient the best chance of surviving a major medical event, the fire department said. The PFD is collaborating with Peoria Area Emergency Medical Services and AMT in the endeavor.