Relocation of Shreveport Fire Station 14 in Progress

The Shreveport Fire Department in Louisiana recently confirmed the ongoing progress related to the relocation of Fire Station 14. The initiative, part of the 2021 bond proposals, aims to enhance response times and provide better quality care to the local community.

New Fire Station Construction Well Underway

Addressing the recent passing of the 2024 Shreveport bond proposals, Shreveport Fire Chief Clarence Reese, briefed on the relocation project of Fire Station 14. A move being funded by a $2.9 million allocation from the 2021 bond. The new station is currently being built adjacent to its existing location on Greenwood Road.

“The construction is on schedule, we already have walls up and the concrete flooring has been laid,” said Reese, adding, “It will house one fire station and one medic unit.” This strategic move will accommodate future expansions necessary as the population in the area swells.

An Upgrade from the Previous Station

According to Reese, the ongoing relocation replaces an outdated station that had become inefficient in terms of response times, quality care, and proper unit storage. In addition to the construction of the new station, a fresh feature will be incorporated in the design.

“The new layout includes a drive-around station, meaning they won’t need to back into the fire station from Greenwood Road. This design not only ensures firefighter safety but also helps in decreasing traffic congestion around the school vicinity,” Reese outlined. He emphasized that this upcoming station is one of the busier stations and aims to replicate this model across all other active stations.

Addressing Concerns Over Nearby School Buses

Reese also tackled issues about Caddo school buses that parked close to the new station. “We have communicated with the school authorities that Tucker Street, which was previously used for their buses, will not be available for parking in the morning and in the afternoon once the station is operational. They are working on contingency plans for when that happens,” he assured.

The Fire Chief is optimistic that Fire Station 14 should be functional by the end of the year. This productive strategy will also be applied to the relocation of Fire Station 15 on West 70th Street for similar reasons.

Progressing Towards a Safer Community

The Shreveport Fire Department’s initiative to relocate and upgrade its stations underlines its commitment to providing an efficient emergency response system and ensuring a safer environment for the residents. As Fire Station 14 gets closer to completion, the anticipation grows for an improved service that will accommodate an expanding population and cater to their emergency needs more effectively.