After 157 straight years on the job, Taunton's Central Fire Station shut its doors this morning as firefighters officially shifted operations to the city's new combined public-safety complex. The brick downtown headquarters, a daily presence since the 19th century, now moves from working firehouse to chapter of local lore, leaving many residents feeling a mix of pride in the upgrade and nostalgia for a landmark they grew up with.
Built and dedicated in 1869, Central Station served for generations as Taunton's fire headquarters and housed the city's fire-based 911 center. As reported by Boston 25 News, the station closed this morning as crews transitioned to the new public-safety facility. The Taunton Fire Department's website documents the station's July 19, 1869 dedication and notes period details like pulley systems used to store hay in the horse-and-wagon days; see Taunton Fire Department.
New Public Safety Complex Replaces 19th-Century HQ
The closure caps a years-long effort to bring Taunton's police and fire departments together under one modern roof on County Street. In a May 2024 press release, city officials said construction on the new public-safety facility is underway, and former Fire Chief Timothy Bradshaw put it bluntly: "Central Fire Station is over 150 years old. It was built for horses. We need a modern facility." See the press release via City of Taunton for more details.
A Moving Chapter for Taunton's Downtown
Over its long run, Central Fire Station saw members serve in wars from the Civil War through recent overseas conflicts, a throughline of service that has been highlighted in coverage of the closure. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, recognizing its architectural and civic importance; see the National Register of Historic Places. Boston 25 News coverage featured historic photos shared by the local firefighters' union and noted that there were no immediate details on what will become of the old building.
