The building that has been home to firefighters for 28 years continued to support firefighters in its last hours as firefighters took saws and axes to it this past weekend.
Demolition officially began Tuesday on Fishers Fire Headquarters, but firefighters began the process with training on their old station this weekend. Lt. Rich Nyberg, a 28-year senior veteran and one of the original firefighters to use the building, took the first swing of the sledge hammer on the firehouse. Crews followed suit and trained on the building all weekend to enhance their skills.
Lt. Adam Lee and Firefighter Josh Valentine were atop the roof of Old Station No. 91 this past weekend to practice their demolition skills. (Photo provided)
Announced in 2018, due to growth needs of the department and increasing costs of maintenance, the station that houses nine pieces of equipment and the administration offices is slated to be torn down and rebuilt in the same area. The project is expected to cost $9.4 million dollars and take 18 months to build. The new station will provide additional space for firefighter living quarters, as well as functional work space. The administration offices will still be a part of this station with additional space for management needs.
To continue to effectively serve the same response area, firefighters have been relocated to the Indy Fuel apartments off 126th Street, which keeps the firefighters and equipment in the same response district. This location keeps the response times unchanged for continuity of service.
About the Fishers Fire Department
Fishers Fire Department serves the Fishers community from six fire stations and one medic sub-station with 146 firefighters and staff. The department serves an estimated population of 92,000 and responds annually on nearly 6,000 emergencies. An all-hazards department, firefighters not only respond to traditional emergencies such as fires, medical and rescue, but service the community for hazardous materials emergencies, behavioral health management, community paramedicine program, community risk reduction and emergency response team (ERT) situations. The department services 52 square miles within Hamilton County.