Reno Fire Station 12 in Damonte Ranch is officially starting construction on expansion and renovation.
Firefighters say the community has grown so much since 2014, when the fire station was built.
This expansion will help firefighters improve operational efficiency and support their readiness and well-being when responding to calls.
Reno Fire Chief Dave Cochran said, "Today, Station 12 responds to over 4,600 calls. That's an enormous amount of calls for one station. That's on an annual basis, and what we're trying to do, and what this project is going to do, is help us mitigate that effect on the community, on our fire departments, and on the safety of everybody here in Reno."
This expansion is able to happen because of a $1.7 million grant from the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation.
Folks with the foundation say firefighters deserve facilities that support their safety and readiness to protect the community.
Chris Watts, the co-president of the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation, said, "As Reno grows, so do the demands on its first responders, and we know that having the right facilities and resources is critical to ensuring public safety. When Chief Cochran approached us about this opportunity, it was easy, yes."
Council members say partnerships like this help provide relief to the city when it comes to providing funds for crucial investments like this.
"We have community partners that realize how important safety, access, and service means to our community members here, and they came in to help, and that helps a lot, especially in the community and in the economic times that we are, you know, experiencing. These partnerships are going to matter moving forward,” said Ward 6 council member Brandi Anderson.
Firefighters say this project is long overdue, stating they've had the means to keep up with the growing community without the resources that were needed.
Fire Chief Cochran said, "The call volume and the way it's exploding down here in the South, and we really want to be able to serve the community. We just didn't have the capacity or someplace to put the people. We have the equipment, we have the engines, we have the apparatus, but we need someplace for the people."
Construction is expected to be completed in spring of 2027, and the fire station will remain open and operating throughout the construction phase.
