The department has averaged almost 2,200 calls in each of the past few years, with nearly 1,800 of those being EMS calls. King has noticed an almost three-fold increase in calls since he began in 2004 and said that’s contributed extra wear and tear to the vehicles and equipment.

One of the biggest problems the department would face if the levy doesn’t pass would be its insurance rating, King said. Fire departments are rated on a variety of factors, including their response times, which then affects homeowner’s insurance rates. Residents could see a significant rise in their insurance premiums, King said.

MAHG Architecture of Fort Smith designed the station that is large enough to accommodate the airport’s new, larger aircraft fire and rescue fire truck. The new truck and two other restored aircraft fire trucks were required following a change in mission in 2014 for the 188th Wing from a fighter wing flying A-10s to a surveillance group flying remotely piloted aircraft overseas.