NEW FIRE STATION REALIZES CITY PRIORITY OF 15 YEARS

For about 15 years, a new west-end fire station topped the list of priorities for the Cape Girardeau Fire Department. This week, the wish became a reality as firefighters moved into the new Mount Auburn facility, across from Doctor's Park.

The move is significant, especially for those living and working in the city's west side.

City fire protection is so first rate that most of us simply assume the fire department will answer the call within minutes. But location of manpower and equipment are key considerations in this promptness.

This marks the first time in the city's history that a fire station has been located west of Kingshighway and Cape LaCroix Creek. As the city's residential and commercial areas have grown westward from Kingshighway, traffic congestion has made answering west-side calls more difficult from the department. Now fire trucks can now reach every part of the city within one and a half minutes. Those extra seconds gained in answering west-side fires will save lives and property.

The west end location will also be advantageous in times of flash flooding. In the past, trucks and firefighters had to be moved to the armory to provide fire protection for the city's west end before flash flooding closed William and Independence streets to traffic. Fires can't wait for detours.

But the new fire station won't just benefit those who live in the city's west side. The benefits may also be measured in dollars and cents for all property owners.

Cape Girardeau's fire rating was lowered to Class 4 on Dec. 1, 1988. This new station may enable the city to lower that rating to Class 3, because of lowered response time. And that would mean reduced fire insurance costs. That's something we can all appreciate - no matter where we live in Cape Girardeau.

This new fire station also makes sense as it responds to the marked growth in the western part of the city.

The old fire station, in the 1600 block of Independence, has served the city for 38 years. It will now be cleaned and painted, and then sold by the city. Several inquiries have already been made.

Cape Girardeau's top-notch fire protection is no accident. It has been achieved through planning, training and execution. The new west end fire station demonstrates that our city and fire department aren't satisfied with status quo. It's a station and an accomplishment of which Cape Girardeau can be proud.