Enhancing Safety in Statesville: New Woody Woodard Memorial Fire Station Opens at Key City Junction

The City of Statesville recently opened the new Woody Woodard Memorial Fire Station, marking the grand opening of Fire Station 1. This event underscores the city's commitment to improving public safety and community services. The new station is strategically located at the intersection of Fifth Street, Wilson Lee Blvd, and Charlotte Avenue. It replaces the previous facility on S. Meeting Street, which had been in use for seventy years. The relocation, which began in 2017, aims to enhance service coverage and emergency response times.

The construction of the new fire station is part of a larger effort to revitalize South Statesville. The City Council approved the site's purchase and development in October 2020, completing the property acquisition by February 2021. City Manager Ron Smith highlighted this project and the upcoming Municipal Operation Center on Winston Avenue as key investments in the community, totaling over $34 million.

The station is named after Mr. William T. 'Woody' Woodard, an Air Force veteran and local leader. His work with the Statesville Housing Authority and the Statesville Branch NAACP made significant impacts on the area. At the opening ceremony, Mayor Costi Kutteh and Councilman David Jones praised Mr. Woodard's lifelong service, noting the station's naming as a tribute to his legacy.

The new facility spans 26,000 square feet and includes modern amenities like bunk rooms, showers, a kitchen, and dedicated training and fitness areas. It also features four pull-through apparatus bays, storage mezzanines, and a three-story training tower. Fire Chief Glenn Kurfees highlighted the station's role in enhancing community safety and preparedness.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.