Second Johnston Fire Station Celebrated with Groundbreaking

More than 50 people braved the 90-degree heat Monday afternoon for the groundbreaking of Johnston Fire Station No. 2.

But there were a few important people missing from the crowd –- the fire chief and fire crew. 

Fire Chief Jim Krohse and his firefighters were called to a building fire in Saylor Township shortly before the 3 p.m. ceremony.

The groundbreaking comes just a few weeks before the one-year anniversary of the bond referendum that made the new public safety building and second fire station possible, said Mayor Paula Dierenfeld.

"I couldn't imagine this day a year ago," she said during the ceremony. "This is an important day, this is a great day for Johnston."

While Dierenfeld thanked city leaders and community members who 'widely contributed to the cause, she saved a special thanks for voters.

"A special thanks to the Johnston residents that supported this," she said. "It was a record turnout in number of voters and percentage of vote."

Last August, Johnston residents gave an overwhelming 82 percent approval for a $14 million referendum to build a new public safety building and second fire station.

"We are going to make you proud," she said as a reminder to residents.

The second fire station, located near Northwest 62nd Avenue and Northwest 100th Street, will include two pull-through bays, bunks, meeting rooms, a kitchen and day space, as well as a satellite police department office.

"This is critical to the fire protection needs of residents on the west side of town," she said. "Public safety is the most important service in Johnston."

For more coverage of the new Johnston Public Safety Building and second fire station see these stories: