Press releases

Edina Fire Department cuts ribbon at new Fire Station No. 1

Edina, Minn., July 25, 2008 -- Edina’s Mayor, City Council members, Fire Department personnel and political leaders were on hand with members of the public for the July 31 ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the newly constructed Fire Station No. 1, located at 6250 Tracy Ave.

Edina Fire Chief Marty Scheerer kicked off the ribbon cutting ceremony by introducing elected officials, City Manager Gordon Hughes, Mayor Jim Hovland and other distinguished. Hovland spoke praises of the new station before boarding a fire truck with Council Member Ann Swenson’s 4-year-old grandson, Jack, and driving through the red ribbon tied across the doors of the new Fire Station’s apparatus bay -- officially declaring its opening. Those present were invited inside to enjoy cake and refreshments, as well as receive informal tours of the nearly completed station.

“In addition to making up for many of the shortcomings in the old station, this new fire station will give us the opportunity to grow and expand our Fire Department in the future,” said Hovland. “It will serve as a great benefit to the community and help ensure that Edina’s Fire Department is able to provide unmatched service and one of the quickest response times in the metro area.”

Construction of the new fire station began in May 2007 after the 1970s station on the site was razed. The old building, built mainly for men, did not house a locker room for any current or future female firefighter/paramedics. In addition to a women’s locker room, the new two-story station will offer nearly twice the square footage of the old station, allowing for sufficient storage of medical records, gear and equipment; an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) clean-room; a highly secure narcotics safe and evidence storage area; individual sleeping quarters for firefighter/paramedics; administrative offices and conference/training rooms; and an expanded six-door apparatus floor for housing large fire and EMS equipment as well as variety of additional storage space and equipment upgrades.

For more information, visit www.CityofEdina.com/Fire or call the Edina Fire Department at 952-826-0339.