Construction is winding down on the Porter Fire Department’s new Station 125 as officials begin preparing for their next project: Station 126.
What’s new
Station 125 is a new three-bay station that will host a full-time crew of four and house a fire engine and an evacuation boat. Chief Carter Johnson said the $6.5 million project is expected to wrap up in mid-to-late March, and the department plans to host a grand opening for the public a couple of months later.
Located in the southeastern portion of the Porter Fire Department’s service area, Station 125 will primarily serve neighborhoods including Kings Manor, Kings Mill, Oakhurst and Oakhurst Park.
“We’re looking to decrease the response time from our current administration station to the southern part of our district, so [Station 125 will] decrease the response time to that area,” Johnson said.
What’s next
In the next six months to a year, Johnson said construction is expected to begin on Station 126. Located in Valley Ranch, the new facility will serve as both a new fire station and the department’s new administration facility, which is currently housed at Station 121 on Loop 494.
“We’ve currently outgrown our Loop 494 location,” Johnson said.
Upon the completion of Station 126, Johnson said the former administration space at Station 121 will be converted into professional development space with classrooms and training props.
Currently in the design phase, Johnson said a total cost estimate for Station 126 is not yet available as of press time. However, he noted the construction of both Station 125 and 126 is funded through existing property tax revenue, noting no tax rate increase was required for the projects.
Looking ahead
Beyond Stations 125 and 126, Johnson said the department already owns land on Ford Road for another project. However, he noted construction on that property likely won’t begin for another eight to 10 years.
