EMMIE BOESE
Hutch Post
MCPHERSON, Kan. —The city of McPherson broke ground for a brand new 12,000 square foot fire station on Tuesday afternoon. The fire station will be known publicly as No.2 McPherson Fire Station and is located at 1705 N. Main St.
McPherson Mayor Tom Brown said the city has been looking to build a new station for a couple of years and acquired the space for it a little over a year ago. He said the site for the station will also allow for a police station and a water tower.
"This is an opportunity for the community to expand our safety and protection for people as the community grows," said Brown. "We are trying to be ahead of the curve and be ready for what is going to happen, I believe, in the next 10 years in McPherson, so this is an important step."
Fire Chief TJ Wyssmann of the McPherson Fire Department said the placement of station No.2 will reduce response times to key areas on the North side of McPherson.
"We will no longer wait helplessly at a railroad crossing for the train to pass so we can continue our response and provide life saving services," Wyssmann said. "It will ensure the continuity of the fire service operations and if one station is incapacitated by disaster or an event, it will also allow our community to maintain prosperity and growth in generations to come."
Hutton Construction was selected to build the new station. Some features include eight bunks for first responders with plans to expand in the future, three private shower rooms, dedicated indoor wash bay and a covered community space.
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