The No. 3 fire station is planned to be built near the new water tower which is located near the intersection of E. 48th St. and N Ave., (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Kearney Volunteer Fire Department’s Station No. 3 during the evening of Monday, April 6.
The No. 3 fire station is planned to be built near the new water tower which is located near the intersection of E. 48th St. and N Ave.
“This station is a direct result of Kearney’s growth. In fire response, minutes matter. The continuing growth of residential and industrial development in north and east Kearney made this location absolutely critical,” Mayor Jonathan Nikkila stated.
Jason Whalen, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department Fire Administrator, said the event was about the station but also about the firefighters themselves. He said it will give them updated technology that will help them do their jobs better and keep them both heathier and safer.
“Our KVFD members are true heroes for our city. They keep us safe, hold themselves to a high standard of excellence, and the strong volunteer commitment saves Kearney taxpayers millions of dollars every year. We can never say enough or do enough to thank them for the countless hours they spend training and serving,” Mayor Nikkila said.
“If you are at all interested in joining the KVFD, I encourage you to reach out. There is a strong, family-like bond within the department. They are without a doubt one of the key examples of what makes Kearney successful,” Mayor Nikkila stated.
The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department currently has Fire Station No. 1 in downtown Kearney along A Ave. and Fire Station No. 2 in northwest Kearney along 30th Ave. There is also a KVFD presence at the Kearney Municipal Airport to meet Federal Aviation Administration requirements.
The Kearney city council recently approved Wilkins Architecture Design Planning and Parkhill to be the professional design consultant for the new station. They were among nine firms that submitted statements of qualifications.
Whalen said the biggest benefit will be the proximity to northeast Kearney which is a long way from Stations No. 1 and No. 2.
When asked about ideal response times, Whalen said KVFD members work to be out the door 90 seconds after dispatch and six minutes to an accident scene or fire is the maximum time they want to take traveling in town.
He noted that due to variety of factors including building materials and practices, a fire in a room can reach flash over in as little as three to four minutes. The quicker firefighters get on scene, the safer it is for them operating in and around the structure.
Whalen said he is excited that a third station is coming to the northeast part of town. He said he feels like the addition of the station is overdue and they are excited for the opportunity to be able to respond quicker to residents in the area.
A rendering of the new Kearney Volunteer Fire Department’s Station No. 3, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
