Joplin celebrates completion of new fire station

Joplin Fire Station #7 is complete!

The city holding a ribbon cutting and open house for the new building that will serve the southeast side of the city.

“This means the world to me,” exclaimed Fire Chief Gerald Ezell. “This will serve the Crossroads Industrial Park and will also give us quick access to the interstate if we have any hazardous material incidents out there. It will also provide mutual aid on this side of the city. This is a huge day for not only us, but the city as well.”

It’s located at 6720 East 30th Street, near the I-44/Hwy 249 interchange.

The $4.5 million, 7,900 square foot project was funded by the city’s original half-cent public safety sales tax that was approved by voters in 2006.

Police Chief Richard Pearson says it will also help the police department. “Having the fire department extend its reach, as far as being able to help citizens in times of crisis and need is a good thing for everybody, police included, because when we can’t get there in time if its a medical emergency or a fire emergency, fire department steps right up and they take care of business.”

There will be twelve firefighters assigned to the station with crews of four at a time working 24-hour shifts.