Ottawa gets $1 million for new fire station

Ottawa’s plans to build a north-side fire station took another step forward Friday when U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood presented the city with $1 million in federal aid.

We’re ready to rock and roll”

—  Brian Bressner, Ottawa fire chief

Underwood met Friday with city and fire officials and presented funds she secured partly to construct a new fire and ambulance station in the city’s north end. That will improve response times and ease logistical issues for fire and EMS.

“I can’t wait to come for the groundbreaking and then the ribbon cutting when the station is built, because those are really fun occasions,” Underwood told a throng at Ottawa City Hall.

Fingers crossed, she’ll help snip the ceremonial ribbon in spring 2025. Between now and then, the city has work to do.

Officials must identify and buy a parcel, train first responders and retain architects and engineers to design the new station.

The project will be the city’s third fire station, complementing the downtown headquarters and the South Side station. Fire Chief Brian Bressner said he’s eager to see the project concluded because it will help meet the city’s rising calls for service.

“We’re ready to rock and roll,” Bressner said.

Commissioner Tom Ganiere, who retired 13 years ago from the Ottawa Fire Department, said the plans were a long time in the making. A 2010 study showed the need for a north-side station, but plans stalled over funding.

The city might not have broken ground yet, but behind the scenes there is plenty of activity. Training of the new hires – personnel will have climbed 44% by the time the north-side station is complete – has already begun in earnest.

“We are looking to move forward pretty quickly,” Mayor Robert Hasty said. “Obviously this $1 million is going to help.”

Hasty said the grand total is “a very fluid number” and the city is seeking grants to defray the impact on taxpayers. He said he believes Ottawa residents “overwhelmingly” put a premium on health and safety and will recognize the need for the three stations.

“I absolutely know, at the end of the day, that if you’re having a heart attack having proper emergency services outweighs an amphitheater (which the city also has received grant money),” he said.

Underwood is up for reelection in November. She will face Republican James Marter.