A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the new Springfield fire station at 2040 S. Limestone St. will be held on July 8 at 2 p.m.
In November 2022, Clark State College and the City of Springfield broke ground on the new facility that improves safety and efficiency of City emergency fire operations as well as creates training opportunities for Clark State’s Fire Academy students. As an investor in the new station, Clark State contributed approximately $1.3 million toward the facility, making Clark State the only community college in the nation to house student labs in a working fire station.
“Having our Fire Academy students obtain their educational training in an active fire station provides them with a real-world experience that can’t be replicated in typical classroom settings,” said Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., Clark State president. “Everything we do at Clark State is about students. We are proud this project allows us the opportunity to better serve the more than 200 students who graduate each year with credentials from our fire program.”
Additional speakers at the ribbon cutting include Sharon Evans, Clark State Board of Trustees vice chair; Rob Rue, mayor; the Office of Senator Sherrod Brown; Bryan Heck, city manager; and more.
After the ribbon cutting, guests can tour the new station to see new and improved gear and equipment, as well as areas that support a diverse workforce, such as private spaces for sleeping and showering, labs and student classrooms.
“This new fire station is a result of strong collaboration between the City and Clark State. Partnership is how we accomplish things in this community, and this new facility is an example of what we can achieve when we work together,” said Bryan Heck, city manager.
The event is open to the public. Hors d’oeuvres will be served.