PEOPLE

The Southeast Missourian asked Cape Girardeau firefighters what they like about moving to the new Fire Station Number Two located at 378 S. Mount Auburn Road.

Capt. Steve Niswonger: "One thing the new station has is a hose tower where we can hang the hoses for drying. At the old Number Two station, we had to lay them out on the driveway or put them in a hose dryer which was inconvenient."

Brian Shaffer: "We have so much more room at the new station. We have more space in the dormitories, kitchen and truck room. Also, we're much closer to the airport to respond with the airport truck."

Ed Serandos: "Now we have fire apparatus on the west side of the flood plain to protect that side of town. Before, we had a plan to keep fire trucks at the National Guard Armory to protect the west side of town in case Kingshighway was flooded."

Carrol Schaefer: "As the need grows, the truck room can hold up to six trucks. Right now, there are two pumpers there and the airport truck will make three. The heating and lighting is much better with so many windows in the big doors."

Fire Chief Gene Hindman: "The greatest benefit of the new station is that we can provide a quicker response to an emergency situation in that area of town. With growth of the city westward, the new station will be more centrally located. We have moved at the right time."

Assistant Fire Chief Max Jauch: "It will save us time in runs to the mall, St. Francis Medical Center, the motels, airport and Nash Road area. It's built with seismic design. The blocks are tied together with reinforcing rods. We can use the large parking lot there for some training."