As our city continues to experience tremendous growth, challenges become more pressing in providing the highest standard of service.  Many years ago, the plan began to add the City’s 5th fire station to service the extensive growth in the southeastern part of our city.  This plan was stalled in 2008 when the housing crisis began, but we reinstated this plan again in 2014 and have prepared since then for this day.  I’m so glad to report that we have secured land, planned the financial instrument, and awarded the bid to begin construction on this long-planned project that is crucial for our future in meeting public safety goals. 

The Board of Aldermen recently awarded the lowest and best bid of $3,871,938 to Legacy Construction Services to begin construction of Fire Station #5 on Star Landing Road adjacent to the big curve just west of Getwell Road.  This beautiful facility was designed by A2H with a dual-front design to accommodate future road changes with Star Landing and will be under construction within 45 days with projected completion by year end.

Along with our aggressive fire hydrant expansion plan and adoption of the most recent building codes, we believe this addition will improve our already- excellent “Class 3” fire rating.  Currently, there are only 5 cities in Mississippi with a rating this high (low number means high).  Moving to a “Class 2” would make us the best rated fire department in Mississippi, along with only Hattiesburg and Biloxi.  It goes without saying that an excellent fire rating signifies excellence in public safety, reduces property insurance costs, especially commercial rates, and makes our city even more economically attractive.

I’m extremely proud of the outstanding men and women in our Fire Department and this new facility will help them continue with the highest standard of excellence.