Carbondale will have a new, state-of-the-art fire station by the end of the year, if construction goes according to plan.
City leaders broke ground on the new facility Friday, saying it'll be a welcome upgrade to public safety and emergency operations on the west side of town.
The new fire station, which will be on North Glenview, replaces an out-dated and deteriorating facility on Oakland. Mayor Joel Fritzler says it's a long time in coming.
"I think we're all in agreement that this is a necessity. Not only for the city, as we've been growing to the west, and for our residents, but also for our fire personnel who we rely upon to provide us protection and safety if something was to happen."
To that end, Fire Chief John Michalesko points out the new station will house the city's Emergency Operations Center, and will help the department better protect its residents and businesses.
"This is going to be a unique project. We're going to see a station that is going to be a facility that we can not only be proud of, but will set a benchmark for the entire region. There are many design features included that I think will be smart and will pay dividends for many years to come."
The $3.1 million station will be a one-story, 12,500 square-foot building and is expected to be finished this fall.
