Despite April Fool's Day's typical jests, Collierville town officials were dead serious about safety as they gathered amidst the drizzle to mark the start of construction for Firehouse #6. The site, poised across from Collierville High School at 11670 Shelby Drive, represents a significant expansion of the town's firefighting capabilities.
At the groundbreaking, Town Administrator Molly Mehner ushered in the crowd, with Mayor Stan Joyner lending his words to the occasion, as reported by the local news. Collierville Fire & Rescue Chief John Selberg offered the crowd insights, detailing the firehouse's specs: a 15,937-square-foot two-story behemoth complete with living quarters, workspace and a drive-thru garage.
As per an article by Collierville's official website, this new facility will not only provide rest and work areas but will also be equipped with a diesel exhaust system to mitigate the firefighter's risk of cancer, a fire station alerting system, and a backup power generator. The coverage area for Firehouse #6 will be 8.34 square miles, serving a fluctuating daily population of up to 6,889 people and responding to an estimated 838-1,023 calls annually.
The design aims to complement the nearby high school—boasting a barrel roof and displaying a proud Collierville Dragon on its facade. Such touches reflect not just a commitment to safety, but also to community spirit and cohesion. Among those present to dig into the future were Mayor Joyner and Aldermen Maureen Fraser, Missy Marshall, John Worley, Billy Patton, and John Stamps, alongside financial and construction representatives.
This new addition marks the first in over two decades, a sure sign of Collierville's growth and the evolving needs of its residents. Since the completion of Firehouse #5 on South Houston Levee Road in 2001, the need for increased fire protection and response capability has only grown, a necessity that Firehouse #6 will soon fulfill.
