HERRIN, Ill. (WSIL) � The city of Herrin came together in a big way today to celebrate a major milestone for local first responders. It was the grand opening of the city’s new fire station.
Dozens of residents showed up to support the Herrin Fire Department, take guided tours of the facility, and enjoy free food and refreshments, courtesy of Clearwave Fiber. Though the station officially opened in February, fire officials waited until they were all settled in before inviting the public inside.
Fire Chief Shawn Priddy says the community’s turnout speaks volumes. “It’s really important because the community loves the fire service,� Priddy said. “People have been really excited about it. It’s a big project, a huge city project, one of the biggest in a long time. I think people have been anxious to come out and get to come inside and take a look at what was built.�
And what was built is a state-of-the-art firehouse designed not just for efficiency, but for firefighter health, safety, and training.
“We’ve got more space,� Priddy explained. “We’d outgrown the old station. That building had issues that could no longer be fixed. This new facility gives us room for operations, space to train, and meets all updated facility codes, it’s literally built with firefighter health and safety in mind.�
City leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony this afternoon, officially unveiling the new station to the public. Visitors were able to walk through the firehouse, interact with firefighters, and see the new equipment and layout up close.
As the city of Herrin continues to grow, Chief Priddy says this facility ensures the department can keep pace while continuing to provide the best service possible.
