DATE: November 21, 2014
TO: Board of Mayor and Aldermen
FROM: Eric Stuckey, City Administrator
Rocky Garzarek, Fire Chief
SUBJECT:
title
Discussion Regarding Maintaining Temporary Fire Station 7
.Purpose
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) with information to facilitate a discussion regarding options to maintain a temporary fire station in the Goose Creek area until a permanent facility can be constructed.
Background
On the morning of Friday, August 15, 2014, a tragic accident occurred on Interstate 65 at exit 61 (Peytonsville Road). The incident involved a gasoline tanker that exploded after coming in contact with a bridge abutment. The ensuing fire caused significant damage to an existing bridge and a new bridge that was nearing completion, requiring removal and reconstruction of both bridges that remains underway. In addition, city residents, like those living in the Ladd Park community were made subject to a much greater risk due to increased response times from Fire and Police resulting from the closed major thoroughfare.
Prior to the accident, Fire Department records reveal average response times in excess of ten minutes for those in the affected area. A review of the available alternative routes indicates that response times would increase significantly. Research confirms that quicker response times minimize the effects of medical emergencies and significantly reduces the overall losses experienced in fire related responses.
Realizing the added risk created to some of our residents, the City began immediate discussions with our County partners about medical, law enforcement and fire protection needs for the affected area. Through these partnerships, Williamson County offered free space within the Williamson County Ag Expo Center for temporary living quarters for four of our Fire personnel per day and housing of an existing Fire Department ladder truck and rescue vehicle un...
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