Pontotoc celebrates state of the art fire station with Grand Opening

“Very big day, we are proud of this,” said Pontotoc Fire Chief Brad White.

The 2.9-million-dollar fire station is right at 8,500 square feet, with state of the art features, such as wide, bay doors,  secure storage, an elevator and better accommodations for the crew.

The new fire station is on West Reynolds, across from the Police Department.  The old fire station was attached to City Hall,  and its location across from two schools could slow response times.

“Right across the old fire station was a crosswalk, had kids going back and forth, pager went off, sometimes it was just a hassle,” Chief White said.

State and federal grants helped cover the cost of the project, meaning there is no additional burden on taxpayers.

Secretary of State Michael Watson said the new fire station is an example of what can happen when leaders at all levels of government work together.

“Having good firefighters, police, is part of the core function of government, public safety, when you see a community come together, legislative, local and federal working together, it is important for all of us,” Watson said.

Pontotoc Mayor Bob Peeples said the new fire station not only benefits those inside the city limits, but also those in the county who need emergency services.

“We do rescue calls out in the county, so it is helping our neighbors outside the city limits, so we are especially excited for that,” Peeples said.

Firefighters have been working out of the new station for about two months.

The old fire station will be torn down, and a new city hall will be constructed.