TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — As Tyndall Air Force Base’s renovation continues, a new modular fire station is coming in hot, providing a new workspace for 325th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Station One personnel.

While Fire Station One was damaged during Hurricane Michael in 2018, the devastation provided Team Tyndall with the unique opportunity to design a new fire department.

“Between the damage sustained from Hurricane Michael and the new Air Force requirement upgrades needed, a new facility was financially a better option compared to repair,” said Mark Blake, Air Force Civil Engineer Center military construction project manager.

Since firefighters must remain operational and mission ready at all times, a modular facility was outlined to support crash and rescue missions during the new station’s production.

“The [transitory] Fire Station One campus is the single largest footprint for a temporary facility,” explained Scott Dubuque, 325th Contracting Squadron services flight chief. “This area cost just under $10 million of contracted efforts and is planned to house personnel for around five years.”

The modular station is fully equipped to continue mission capabilities with no discrepancies. It provides personnel with a gym, three bunk houses, three fire truck bays, an admin office and an emergency response facility.

“Having a new location, even if it’s temporary, will boost morale and provide a clean and sanitary work environment,” said Gregory Young, 325th CES fire inspector.

In addition to providing a better equipped station for the firefighters, the modular facility marks progress towards building the “Installation of the Future.”

The decision to construct a new station has motivated Tyndall to install innovative technologies. A few of the technological advances planned are a completely updated fire alarm reporting system to enhance emergency response capabilities as well as implementing new training simulators expected to reduce wear and tear on equipment, maximizing use and saving the Air Force resources.  

As Team Tyndall and the local community work to restore Panama City and surrounding areas after the storm, Tyndall’s progress acts as a model for resiliency, turning devastation into innovation.

“The fire department’s relocation is a sign of progress,” explained Young. “As demolition across the installation comes to an end and new construction begins, it allows personnel at Tyndall, especially those that have been working behind the scene, to start witnessing the ‘[Installation] of the Future’ finally taking shape.”

Subject to cancellation, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Touch-A-Truck is a fundraising event that provides kids of all ages with the opportunity to experience life-size vehicles and interact with community support leaders like police officers, firemen, construction workers and many more. Families will have the opportunity for a hands-on exploration of many vehicles such as Edmond’s own fire trucks and police cars, an Edmond Electric bucket truck and even a solid waste truck. In 2019, the event displayed over 50 different vehicles for kids to enjoy.

Admission for the Touch-A-Truck event is a suggested $2 donation with the proceeds going to the HOPE Center of Edmond to benefit local residents in need.

We were able to raise $5,200 in 2019 for the Hope Center of Edmond, with approximately 2,000 in attendance.

Continuing in 2022, there will be a quiet hour from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. to accommodate those sensitive to loud noises. During this time, no horns or loud music will be allowed.

For those that are sensitive to loud noises, for example horns honking, it is recommended that you bring proper protection for your ears for the remainder of the event.

If your organization would like to participate, please click here for information. To find out more about the event, contact Nicole Koehn.

Rosenbauer—Madison County (MS) Fire Services 100-foot King Cobra aerial platform quint. Commander R6000 cab and chassis; Cummins X15 565-hp engine; Waterous CSUC20 2,000-gpm pump; 500-gallon water tank; Onan 6-kW generator; Rosenbauer EXT extruded aluminum body; Whelen emergency lighting. Dealer: Donnie Weeks, Bonaventure Company, Rayne, LA. (Photo by Paul Barrett.)

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FA reported last week that the Waxahachie Fire Department planned to break ground for its future Station 4 on Tuesday.

Well, those plans came to fruition as the department did indeed break ground for the facility. See pictures below:

“We had a great Groundbreaking Ceremony for Fire Station 4 today,” the department writes on Facebook. “The new station will be located near Brookside and I-35E on the west side of the freeway. It will serve the south end of I-35E, Waxahachie High School, Main Street/Business 287 from the railroad tracks to the west end of the City, Grand/Solon up to 287 Bypass, the Civic Center, the new Emory Lakes subdivision and the housing developments along Ovilla Road just to name a few areas.

“This will be a great addition to the WFR. It will decrease our response times and thus enable us to intervene in emergency situations more quickly. Thank you to our Council, our City Management Team, our citizens, and for those who serve the citizens, visitors and business of the City as members of the WFR.”

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