As the metro area continues to grow, the Irvington Volunteer Fire Department is looking build a second fire station to serve residents in northern Douglas County.
The department already has plans in place and a plot of land purchased on 72nd and Northern Hills Drive for the future station.
Fire Chief Nolan Paulsen tells NewsRadio 1110 KFAB that building a second fire station will help serve the community better. "Providing the same service, that you know, faster response times that we do on the southern side of our district to the northern side of our district as well."
With the hope of a brand new station comes the cost behind it, and Paulsen says they are looking to the community for support. "Basically instead of going to a bond issuer, or anything like that, we are trying to go through and raise the money ourselves through donations, private organizations, grants and so forth to make that happen."
The fire fighters need to raise $2,500,000 to fund the construction of the building and once completed the station will feature two fire trucks and one rescue squad to serve residents within a five mile radius of the 72nd and Northern Hills location.
The location also lends more support to neighboring fire departments such as Ponca Hills and Fort Calhoun, who may need assistance on calls.
Paulsen says they host annual fundraisers that will help support the department but are also looking for donations from their community and foundations.
Donations and more information can be found at the Irvington Fire Department's website here.