The Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, Macon-Bibb Commission, and local ministers officially broke ground on Fire Station #111 (3947 Jeffersonville Road in East Macon-Bibb on Thursday, August 25. Once built, the station will be opened and dedicated as the Bert Bivins, III Fire Station. Featured guests at the groundbreaking included the Macon-Bibb County Commission, SPLOST Advisory Committee, Fire Department Command Staff, local pastors, and more.
To see pictures from the groundbreaking, click here.
“I’m so excited about the things that our voters have allowed us to do on their behalf, and this fire station is just one example,” says Macon-Bibb County District 3 Commissioner Elaine Lucas. “A few years ago we had a fire at my home, with terrible damage, and 2 of our grandchildren were downstairs sleeping. We didn’t hear them, but the fire department went into the basement and heard our grandchildren yelling and rescued them. They had some smoke inhalation, but they’re now fine.”
“Time matters, and I know that. On this side of town, we’ve had some deficits for a long time,” says Macon-Bibb Fire Chief Marvin Riggins. “So this is going to significantly cut down on response times in this area and bring about earlier emergency response whether that be from mitigating of fire, or a wreck, or any type of emergency.”
This will be the newest fire station to open, and it replaces the one originally announced to be built on Donnan Road. In the past few years, Macon-Bibb has made significant strides to improve fire protection by using SPLOST funds to build new fire stations on on Heath Road and New Forsyth Road. To watch a MaconBibbTV feature on the opening of the Joe Allen Fire Station on Heath Road, click here.
Elected officials and Fire Command Staff break ground on the newest fire station.
“This is a great time to improve our fire protection in Macon-Bibb County because we are also improving the technology to get our firefighters where they are needed much quicker,” says Mayor Robert Reichert, referring to the new E-911 technology purchased using SPLOST funds. To watch a MaconBibbTV feature about the new technology, click here.
“One of the greatest things the people of Macon-Bibb County have done was to approve the SPLOST and begin the work of building new or upgrading current facilities,” says SPLOST Advisory Committee Chair Jeffery Monroe. “With the penny tax, our entire community is seeing the improvements and projects it deserves and expects.”
To learn more about the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department, check out one of the following MaconBibbTV features.
First female chief heads Macon-Bibb’s Fire Prevention Department
Promotion gauntlet sees dozens of new leaders in the Macon-Bibb Fire Department
Get to Know the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department
Projects funded by the SPLOST are an integral part of Macon-Bibb’s Forward Together Strategic Plan. In recent weeks, Macon-Bibb has celebrated the start or completion of several major projects. Click on the links below to learn more about them, or visit the SPLOST website.
Major overhaul coming to Rosa Jackson Recreation Center
Work begins on major East Macon Park upgrades
Newly renovated John Drew Smith Tennis Center opens
Community breaks ground on Filmore Thomas Park
House demolition marks start of Log Cabin Drive realignment project
Phase two of 2nd Street Corridor Connector construction begins