Located on Gould Drive and North Washington Avenue, the new stations are designed to enhance emergency response times, improve firefighter safety, and meet the growing needs of the Cookeville community.

The decision to construct the new stations began several years ago with the identification of a need for a fifth fire station to serve the western portion of the city.

“When Benton Young was appointed Chief in 2021, we completed an extensive assessment of the Department’s needs,” stated James Mills, Cookeville City Manager. “After a thorough inspection of our existing stations, it was determined that upgrading and modernizing what we already have should be a higher priority than building a 5th station. A plan was then developed for moving forward.”

The first step of this plan was an extensive renovation of Station 1, located on the first floor of Cookeville City Hall. This project was completed early this year, primarily by staff from the City’s Parks and Maintenance Division.

Next came the decision to either remodel or rebuild Stations 2 and 3, both of which were built approximately 50 years ago. After determining that remodeling the existing stations was not feasible, the City began searching for suitable properties to build replacements. To maintain each station’s current service areas, the search was restricted to properties near the existing stations.

Over the past year, the City successfully acquired a property on North Washington Avenue for Station 2 and a second property on Gould Drive for Station 3.

A local firm, AEI Architects, was selected to design the stations, with each station designed to maximize functionality and efficiency. The City also engaged local engineers and contractors, Clinton Engineering and W & O Construction, to assist in the design and construction, ensuring City funds are invested back into the local economy.

Each station will cover 16,908 square feet, with construction expected to take approximately 18 months.

The City plans to build both stations simultaneously, though one may be completed slightly ahead of the other due to construction schedules. Once finished, the new stations will be fully equipped to address current and future community needs.

A key feature of the new facilities is a focus on firefighter health and safety. Unlike the current stations, built in 1974, the new stations will include designated “hot zones” for the storage and decontamination of turnout gear. These areas, separated from the living quarters, will feature specialized HVAC systems that prevent contamination from entering spaces where firefighters sleep, eat, and relax. Gear cleaning equipment and steam showers will allow firefighters to safely decontaminate their gear after responding to fires, medical emergencies, or hazardous material incidents.

“We know much more today about the risks firefighters face, and these new stations are specifically designed to help mitigate those risks and protect our personnel,” said Benton Young, Cookeville Fire Chief.

The new stations will also better support the City’s growing need for emergency medical services. Larger, pull-through bays will accommodate fire apparatus as well as medical response vehicles, or squads, improving response times to medical calls and overall service efficiency across Cookeville.

Designed with future needs in mind, the stations will also feature space for firefighter training. A staircase tower with removable windows and anchor points will provide versatile training opportunities for ladder, rope, and rescue operations. Inside the bays, mezzanine areas will offer additional space for training, while classrooms will support a variety of in-house programs, including EMT training, firefighter certification, and ongoing professional development.

“We’ve designed these stations to ensure we have the resources and space necessary to keep our firefighters well-trained and ready for anything the future may bring,” adds Young.

The construction of these new fire stations represents a major step forward for the CFD and a long-term investment in public safety. Since its founding in 1917, the CFD has been dedicated to protecting the residents of Cookeville, and these new facilities will further enhance its ability to serve an expanding community.

Upon completion, the City will host an open house to allow residents to tour the new stations and learn more about the upgrades to the City’s public safety services.

For more information about the City of Cookeville or the Cookeville Fire Department, visit cookeville-tn.gov.