By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–It was a truly historic moment for the city of Paris, as retired Fire Chiefs, firemen from past and present, city and state officials gathered for the groundbreaking for a new Fire Station #1 today. The new station is located at 1555 Tyson Ave.
Despite the freezing cold weather, a large crowd was on hand for the groundbreaking for the first new construction for the city in decades. Retired Fire Chiefs Don Cox and Michael Williams Sr. were among those present.
City Manager Kim Foster said, “This is a bold step forward, a step for the future” that will replace the ‘outdated, undersized’ current station. “The time has come to think bigger and plan for the future.” Foster noted that there currently are 24 firefighters and six trucks that respond to a wide range of emergencies, not just fires and a large call volume. Those emergencies include vehicular accidents and haz mat emergencies.
The current Fire Station #1 was built in 1960 for a much smaller city and a department of only 12 firefighters. City officials said the new station will provide the space, safety, and resources needed to meet today’s demands and future growth.
Foster thanked TLM Associates for its expertise and Fire Chief Jamie Hinson for his ‘tireless’ work in designing the new station, which will include a training tower, modern exhaust system, safe surrender baby box and a designated space to display the city’s first fire truck for the public to view.
“I’m confident this is the right decision at the right time and I’m grateful for the leadership” of the city commission and Ginger French of TLM and Brandon Orr of USDA-Rural Development.
Also speaking at today’s ceremonies were Mayor Kathy Ray, who said, “This is another example of how we take care of our community as we grow”; John Etheridge, who is both a city commissioner and 911 board chairman; Patrick Jaynes, USDA-RD Director for Tennessee; and Fire Chief Jamie Hinson. Hinson said, “This station represents more than bricks and mortar…this is an investment in the people who live in this community.”
In addition to Etheridge, other city commissioners on hand were Sam Tharpe, Jackie Jones, and Vickey Roberts.
Photos by Shannon McFarlin.