Earlier this week, the Williamson County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution for a lease agreement with the City of Franklin to establish a temporary fire station on Long Lane.
After the Aug 14th tragic tanker accident on Interstate 65 at exit 61 (Peytonsville Road), which required removal and reconstruction of the Peytonsville Road bridge, a temporary fire station (Fire Station #7) and staging area for emergency personnel was established at the Williamson County Ag Expo Park. The accommodations allowed Franklin Fire and Police and Williamson Medical Center EMS professionals to quickly access the southeastern part of Franklin, including the Ladd Park subdivision.
The area is staffed around the clock with a ladder truck and four firefighters, as well as an ambulance with emergency medical staff. It is also serving as a sub-station for the Franklin Police Department. In addition, the police department has modified its patrol zone map to ensure officers can easily access locations on the east and west side of the interstate.
Franklin Fire Ladder 5 and crew are being housed inside the Ag Expo Park, which has been outfitted with living and sleeping quarters. “The accommodations allow the firefighters to work and live in the facility while enabling them to perform their daily duties,” said Franklin Fire Deputy Chief Todd Horton. He praised the staff at the Ag Expo Park for their efforts to accommodate the emergency personnel. “They have been amazing to work with,” said Horton. “All of our needs have been met very quickly and their hard work has greatly benefitted the community we serve. We can’t thank them enough.” The Williamson County Sheriff’s Department has provided a trailer for EMS personnel.
The temporary station was to be utilized until the new bridge was completed but earlier this week, BOMA approved a resolution to allow City Administrator Eric Stuckey to negotiate a new space on Long Lane. The budget is approved for $150,000 (funded through the City’s Facilites Tax Fund). The majority of this will be spent on acquiring a mobile home to house a station staffed by the Franklin Fire Department.
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