GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The City of Grand Rapids has cut a ceremonial ribbon for the Kendall Street Fire Station.
It is located at 4044 Kalamazoo Ave., at the corner of Kendall Street. That is a few blocks north of 44th Street.
"This is a big day for our community, and I couldn't be more excited to help open the doors to this brand-new fire station," Third District Congresswoman Hillary Scholten said. "This is a huge deal. Grand Rapids' first fire station in 40 years."
The state-of-the-art facility is funded by an $8 million state grant. City officials said it will significantly improve emergency response times in the area. Mayor David LaGrand said it is the latest feather in Grand Rapids' cap.
"We're really proud that there's a real organization called LinkedIn that some of you may have heard of. And LinkedIn says we are the number one city on the rise in the United States. That's amazing," LaGrand said, followed by a round of applause.
"Today is more than just a dedication of a fire station, it's a promise. A promise that every resident of Grand Rapids will be safer, and that our city will be stronger and more resilient because of what we're celebrating here today," Fire Chief Brad Brown said.
The station has two bays and includes private dorm rooms, modern kitchen and dining areas, plus a fitness room and a community meeting space.
"This station isn't just a building, it's a sign of progress. It's a sign of promise to our community that we are continuing to invest in safety and preparedness, and the incredible people who step up when we need them most - our fires," Scholten said to a round of cheers.
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Overhead rendering of fire station site.Photo: Courtesy: City of Grand Rapids