Cherokee County Opens Another Fire Station

HOLLY SPRINGS, GA -- Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services on Tuesday held an uncoupling and grand opening ceremony for its newest fire station.

Station No. 3 is located at 270 Crown Avenue in Holly Springs. Field Operations Chief Greg Erdely was the emcee and welcomed those who attended the event.

Cherokee County Fire Chaplain Johnny Weaver, the first fire chief for the Hickory Flat Volunteer Fire Department when the original Station 3 was constructed in 1976, was also on hand for the invocation.

The Cherokee County Fire Honor Guard presented the colors and students from Indian Knoll Elementary School sang the National Anthem.

The 9,000-square-foot station "offers numerous benefits to our citizens and to our firefighters of Cherokee County," said Sgt. Michael Sims.

Recent studies indicate that the average cost of a new fire station in metro Atlanta is approximately $325 per square. The new station, Cherokee County notes, was built for only $200 per square foot. The apparatus bay has bi-fold doors that open quickly for response to emergencies and cost less money to maintain than traditional overhead doors.

The epoxy floors are textured for safety and easily cleaned to prevent cross contamination of infectious diseases. The new station has negative pressure ventilation to remove dangerous gasses and carcinogens from this area before they have time to settle or enter the living area. The turnout gear room and extractor room isolates potentially dangerous carcinogens from spreading through the fire station’s living areas.

Another important addition to the new station is an exercise room, which allows firefighters to condition and prepare their bodies for the physical demands that come with this profession without having to leave their station.

Cherokee County Fire Chief Tim Prather thanked the city of Holly Springs for their assistance for acquiring the land for the new fire station.

Others on hand for the ceremony include Cherokee County District 2 Commissioner and former Fire Chief Ray Gunnin, Holly Springs Mayor Steve Miller and Cherokee County Chairman Buzz Ahrens.

Prather also made a special presentation during Tuesday's ceremony. Larry Berry was commended for his 40 years of service to the Hickory Flat community and as fire chief of Hickory Flat Volunteer Fire Department.

A plaque recognizing Berry for his service was unveiled at the event.

Images via Tim Prather/Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services