HERRIN, IL (WSIL) � City leaders in Herrin broke ground Monday on a new fire station
"It's a very exciting day,� said Herrin fire chief Shawn Priddy. “The city was able to secure this property which will be big enough for us to operate out of.
“And it technically puts us more centrally located within our jurisdiction and I think it's going to be a building that everybody can be proud of.
“It's going to assist us in doing our job better and we just hope that people love it as much as we do.�
The Current station was built in the 70s and, according to Priddy, has significant issues.
"A study was done and it was determined that they cannot bring the building up to the essential facilities code requirements,� Priddy explained.
Not only that, but the cost would be more to bring the building up to code compared to simply replacing it with a new facility.
Another issue with the current building is that the department has simply outgrown its use.
"We were starting to do some remodeling and looking into the possibility of doing an expansion,� Priddy added. “That building was originally designed for two people being on staff and now we have five."
According to Herrin Mayor Steve Frattini, it's been quite the process getting to this point, but he believes the new station will be something all people in Herrin can be proud of.
"We are a community that is growing and expanding in every direction and this is going to help ensure their safety and well-being,� said the mayor.
And the Mayor adds the new station isn't just a luxury, but a necessity.
"From compliance issues on down to our ability to respond in a more timely manner,� said Frattini.
The new station will have three bays, administration areas, a training room, a kitchen, and a dining room and will provide private sleeping areas which is something Priddy says fighter fighters appreciate.
"Currently all the firefighters sleep in one room,� Priddy explained. “There's one room with multiple beds and they'll all have their individual space."
It’s expected the station will take about 400 days to finish. Mayor Frattini adds people should also expect to see some road construction along South 13th street where the new station will be located.
