Bristol, TN Fire Department Unveils Brand-new Fire Station

Bristol, Tenn. — The city of Bristol, Tennessee is buzzing with excitement as the local fire department celebrates the opening of a state-of-the-art fire station near Holston View Elementary School. After being operational since July, the station is officially opening its doors, providing enhanced safety and efficiency for the community.

Fire Chief Mike Carrier of the Bristol, Tennessee Fire Department took us on a guided tour of the new facility, showcasing the modern upgrades and innovative safety measures that are now part of the station’s infrastructure.

“This station has an exhaust removal system and an air scrubber system that filter out carcinogens from the oils, fuels, and exhaust emitted by our trucks,” Carrier explained. “These systems are crucial for protecting our firefighters from potentially deadly, cancer-causing materials.”

The new facility replaces the old Station Two, which was originally built in the 1960s. Carrier emphasized that longevity was a key factor in designing the new station. “The features we’ve integrated are meant to make this a station that should serve the citizens of Bristol and this particular area for the next 50 years or so,” he stated confidently.

One firefighter, Preston Cox, expressed his gratitude for the improved working conditions. “This is definitely a big upgrade from what we had,” Cox shared. “The old station was small; some of the rooms were more or less open spaces. Here, you have your own room, allowing you to sleep better when you get the chance.”

The new station also includes a community safe room, designed to provide a secure place for those in need during any type of emergency. “If you need the room, all you have to do is lock the door and use the phone inside to connect to dispatch,” Carrier added.

Beyond just improved facilities, the new fire station’s location aims to reduce emergency response times. “What we are really aiming for is to get the first unit and crew on scene within four minutes of the initial call for a structure fire,” Carrier explained. “The previous location often made it hard to meet these crucial timelines.”

To commemorate the official opening, a unique ceremony will take place on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Instead of a traditional ribbon-cutting, a hose uncoupling ceremony will mark this significant milestone.

The new fire station in Bristol, Tennessee, is not just a building; it’s a testament to the community’s dedication to safety and efficiency. As Fire Chief Carrier put it, “This station is built to last, and it’s built to save lives.”

© 2024 Sinclair, Inc. All rights reserved.