Berryhill Fire Department Breaks Ground On Brand-New Station

After nearly 30 years in a small metal building, the Berryhill fire department is getting a new station.

Firefighters said it's a much-needed upgrade for the safety of the community.

The new fire station will be located off West 41st Street in front of the Berryhill Southern Baptist Church. It's the first station the department has built in more than 30 years.

It was a proud day for Berryhill firefighters, as they break ground on a brand new fire station.

The old station, a former brakeman building, was reclaimed and retro-fitted to be a temporary fire station in 1989

When Berryhill firefighters went to the community to ask for a new fire station, they received an overwhelming amount of support – over 90 percent voted in favor of the project.

“Fire stations don't put out fires, firemen do; but if you don't have a big enough location for firemen to congregate at or for fire trucks to be stationed at, then that kind of is a negative."

The part paid-part volunteer department now has gone from an ISO safety rating of 5 to a 3, improving insurances rates for homeowners in the area.

The new location is a plus as well and putting the new station in the heart of the community they serve.

It makes the fire station not only a better resource for protecting the community but is a functional home for those volunteering.