MERIDIAN, Idaho — Mayor Robert Simison, along with Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea, Meridian Fire Chief Kris Blume, Meridian City Council and others, hosted the grand opening of the new Fire Station 8 and Northwest Police Station on Tuesday.
The opening of the new campus will "enhance services available in Northern Meridian with the addition of a new fire engine company, additional police officers, and the co-location of the Ada County Paramedics unit," a news release said.
"The opening of the fire station and the police station is a testament to our commitment to public safety and providing premiere services to all residents across Meridian," Simison said. "This is part of our efforts to have the right resources, in the right place, that will help us with our community policing and risk reduction and are a huge win for Meridian!"
For the time being, the new Meridian Northwest Police Station will have limited hours but will be open for residents to do things like file a police report or meet with an officer. There will also be a prescription take-back bin located in the lobby, where residents can safely dispose of medications.
"This is a great opportunity to provide a more efficient service to our community and provide a greater access to those we serve," Basterrechea said. "We are very fortunate to work in a city that prioritizes public safety and is forward thinking in its approach."
The new fire station will host three double-deep drive-through bays with quick-access gear and decontamination rooms. There will also be six sleeping rooms, a kitchen and a dining room and a day room. Meridian officials said the building was designed to keep the bays separate form the living quarters, to reduce hazardous exhausted exposure to the firefighters.
"The mayor and city council's leadership is evident today, opening the second much-needed fire station this year," Blume said. "This fire station will enhance our ability to deliver exceptional service and favorable outcomes when our community members experience an emergency."
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