City officials gathered Aug. 5 for a groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of Fire Station 44 on Carmel’s east side.
When the original station was built in 1982, there were only two firefighters per shift. Now there are six and a growing trend is more female firefighters, which has created the need to build separate dorm areas in the new station.
The new station will be constructed exactly where the old station was recently demolished on June 8, at 5032 E. Main Street, across from the Carmel Clay Schools Administration Building.
The new station will cost $3.5 million and will be paid for through existing Clay Township funds and tax revenues without creating any additional taxes. Construction should be complete by July 2016.
Firefighters are currently working out of a nearby house, which has provided a unique way to be involved in the community while serving their duty. Station 43, at 106th Street and Keystone Avenue, is also under a remodel, and some firefighters have been temporarily relocated. Both stations are renting homes, but Joel Heavner, the department’s public information officer, said it won’t significantly impact response times.
