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Murfreesboro Fire Rescue's Station 4 at 1321 Medical Center Parkway, beside the Stones River, officially opened with the 7:00 o'clock shift change on Monday (2/4/2019) morning. When the night shift ended, so did the use of the Jones Boulevard firehall, next to Mitchell-Neilson School.
MFRD's relocation of Station 4 has enhanced the department's response capabilities. The station lies equal distance within two miles of the City's tallest building downtown, NHC at 13 stories, and the high-rise Embassy Suites at 10 stories. This enables the department to achieve Insurance Services Office (ISO) requirements for aerial apparatus response within 2.5 miles. The station houses a 100' Sutphen aerial apparatus which allows for more efficient response to the two previously mentioned buildings as well as Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, the Rutherford County Judicial Center downtown, and numerous hotels in the Gateway.
The Water Rescue Team, previously located at the station on Thompson Lane, will now run out of new Station 4.
Chief Mark Foulks said, "This not only allows us to more quickly deploy to water emergencies in this area. It also gives our personnel more opportunities to train with the Manson Pike Trailhead Dam and Stones River nearby."
The new location also makes it easier for firefighters to respond to emergencies on the Greenway and Old Fort Golf Course.
Foulks noted, "A path was cut during the site work and development process to assist us in gaining better access to the Greenway, Old Fort Golf Course, and the river."
Other features of the new station:
- Small Police Precinct with a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle for Greenway access.
- History and Educational Room which includes the restored 1892 Ahrens Steam Engine.
- Multiple station design components to help decrease response times and enhance firefighter safety.
- Quarters for a second Battalion Chief.
An official "Opening Ceremony" will be announced when details are set, as well as Open House opportunities for the public.
Chief Foulks commented, "We are elated to finally be moved in and look forward to experiencing all of the positive attributes this station and its relocation have to offer."
The City contracted with Boyce Ballard Construction of Murfreesboro to build the new station. John Trail with Johnson + Bailey Architects, P.C. was the architect for the project.