Bowling Green leaders started construction on two fire stations to support community growth. The voter-approved projects cost over $25 million and aim to improve emergency response times.
Work begins following six years of planning. Bowling Green Mayor Mike Aspacher said the city has changed greatly since the existing buildings opened.
The municipality has outgrown its current facilities, according to Bowling Green Fire Division Chief Bill Moorman. Fast response times remain a challenge across expanding areas.
“It’s a generational thing. It’s going to improve safety in Bowling Green for this next generation. It’s going to reduce our response time,” Moorman said.
A new headquarters on West Newton Road will replace the East Court Street station. Another station at Carter Park places crews near the growing north side.
Voters approved a 0.15% income tax last November to fund the work. The measure passed with 68% support.
“It’s essential. When you sit down and begin to consider the responsibilities of local government, public safety is at the top of that list,” Aspacher said.
The buildings include spaces to isolate contaminated gear from dining and sleeping areas. State Rep. Haraz Ghanbari said the design protects personnel after emergency calls.
“Over the years, we have learned how important it is, when firefighters come back from their calls, to have places to decontaminate gear, where they can sleep safely,” Ghanbari said.
Municipal fire departments provide emergency medical services, fire suppression, and rescue operations. Modern facilities often separate clean living spaces from toxic carcinogens on equipment. Bowling Green operates public safety divisions to serve local residents and properties.
Officials expect the facilities to serve local neighborhoods for years.
