New Md. Fire Station to Decrease Response Times

June 14--The opening of a new $10.2 million fire station located off Route 1 near the Route 32 interchange in Savage should result in faster response times, according to county officials.

"We are committed to lowering response times and bringing the best possible emergency services to every part of the county, and this new station helps us accomplish those objectives," said County Executive Ken Ulman, who led a tour of the new facility before it was opened last week.

The new 33,000 square-foot station, which replaces Station 6 previously located on Lincoln Street, has six vehicle bays and will operate two fire engines, one rescue engine, two paramedic ambulances and one brush truck. The station will be staffed by 21 career personnel from Howard County's Department of Fire Rescue Services and approximately 80 volunteer personnel.

"It's an important addition not only to the department but also to the community. It provides access to the community in a more timely fashion," said HCDFRS Chief Bill Goddard at a ribbon cutting ceremony June 14.

Goddard said the department is committed to keeping response times, which is measured from when a call is received by the operator to arrival of responders, below eight minutes. Goddard said response times, which is measured from when the units leaves the station to when the arrive, should be below six minutes.

The station, along with plans to construct replacements for the Elkridge station and the Waterloo Station in Jessup, will help the department stay up to speed with the proposed development around the Route 1 corridor.

"We are staying ahead of the curve," said Goddard. "We are making sure we have the assets in place so when the build out takes place, we have the ability to expand."

Goddard said he the department hopes to break ground on the new Elkridge station, located off Bowman Road and Montgomery Road, in the fall. The department is currently in the process of acquiring land for the Waterloo station, Goddard said.

The two-story structure also boasts sleeping quarters, a fitness training room, a kitchen, a dining room, general use rooms, a large training room and all-purpose community room.

"I've always said if you build a nice facility volunteers will come, which is very important to what we do as a combination system," Goddard said.

Copyright 2013 - Howard County Times, Columbia, Md.