Daviess County Fiscal Court has approved a contract with Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. for the design of a new public safety facility.
The facility would contain a third centrally located fire station on county-owned property at U.S. 231 and Foors Lane, near the Western Kentucky University – Owensboro campus.
Over the last five years, Daviess County has seen a 30 percent increase in runs for county fire response – the bulk of that increase being medical response.
“Each year, our run volume continues to rise,” said Fire Chief Jeremy Smith. “As we build more on the east end and the west end, we have more calls going to those far reaching corners. If this addition comes to fruition, we will have a more centrally located station for better manpower and coverage for our community.”
Six career firefighters would be added to staff the third station. The Fire Department has maintained a consistent roster of 29 personnel since 2006, with the lone addition of a training officer last year.
The public safety facility will also contain the patrol division for the sheriff’s office.
“Not having to traverse the entire length of the city to get to the county to answer calls would be helpful for us,” said Sheriff Brad Youngman. “It would also free up additional parking downtown, which is needed for the public.”
Fiscal Court has received additional requests from the Coroner, 911 Director, and Emergency Management Agency for space at the new facility.
Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. designed and managed the construction of the Airport Rescue & Firefighting Facility (ARFF), built in 2018.
The total project timeline is estimated to be 1 ½ – 2 years with a total cost of $13 million.
