Fire Station No. 10 opens near campus

Tyler officials celebrated the opening of Fire Station No. 10 on Old Omen Road on Wednesday, and University Police Chief Mike Medders said he believes having a station close to the University will improve fire response time.

Before Fire Station No. 10, which is less than a mile from the University, there were two stations within three miles of the University and surrounding neighborhoods: Fire Station No. 7 on Troup Highway and Fire Station No. 8 on Shiloh Road.

With the presentation of the colors, the pledge of allegiance and a special bagpipe performance, the pomp and circumstance at 2502 Old Omen Road could have led some to believe they were in the presence of a dignitary.

Mayor Barbara Bass said she was impressed by the tremendous attendance and hopes the fire station will have a positive impact on the neighborhood and provide an “immediate response time” during an emergency.

The $1.8 million station is paid for in full, thanks to the half-cent sales tax implemented in Tyler 14 years ago. The tax provides funding for public facilities, from new roads and repairs to parks and fire stations, Bass said.

Standing in front of the new building and a shining red fire engine, Interim Fire Chief David Schlottach welcomed attendants and introduced the architect and general contractors behind the new design.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am to get this thing open,” he said.

Chief Schlottach introduced three crew captains over the A, B and C shifts. Each shift requires a captain, a driver and two firefighters.

Tyler City Manager Bob Turner said the two new fire stations have been in the works for more than five years. He said each location is carefully chosen and most firehouses are never torn down. The other new location, still under construction on Troup Highway, will replace Fire Station No. 7.

“The fire station will be an anchor in this neighborhood,” Turner said. “The history of this station begins today.”

In closing, Mayor Bass and other local officials uncoupled a fire hose in place of a traditional ribbon cutting, and invited guests to tour the facility.

The 9,648 square foot station, built by HGR General Contractors, has a kitchen, laundry room, lockers and cubicles for the firefighters in uniform, complete with a bed, desk and chair.

By Karli Tedford Staff Writer