The West Central Fire Protection District plans to make a $9 million investment in community safety with a proposed station in southwest Fort Wayne.
The fire district plans to finish building a station near 10629 Bass Road by the end of 2025, said Chris Perez, office administrator. The new station, the districtapps third location in southwest Fort Wayne, will improve emergency response and create community outreach programs, according to a news release.
appWe are thrilled to embark on this project, which represents a significant investment in the safety and well-being of our community,app Fire Chief Gale Stelzer said in a news release. appThe new fire station will not only enhance our operational capabilities but also serve as a hub for community engagement and education.app
The West Central Fire Protection District plans to fund the project through a loan from the Indiana Bond Bank, Perez said. Allen County Council will consider a $9.5 million bond request from the fire district at its 5:30 p.m. meeting today, according to its agenda.
The station will be about 17,000 square feet app nearly double the size of the fire districtapps Aboite Center Road location. The station will house 16 full- and part-time employees. The fire district plans to have smaller crews at both its Aboite and Lake Township stations, Perez said.
appWe really wanted to be able to expand and be in an area where we receive a lot of 911 calls,app she added.
The new station will include three bays for fire trucks and ambulances, as well as crew quarters and a training room that will also serve as a community education room for teaching life-saving skills such as CPR.
appIt was important to us that we have that option at the new station,app Perez said.
The new location will have more trucks, but the fire district hasnappt determined how many, Perez said. Staffing and services will expand once the areaapps population catches up.
appWe keep a close eye on our run numbers and types,app she said. appWeappre keeping an eye on trends to see what the community needs most.app
