MONROE COUNTY, Ga. — 3901 High Falls Road has been home to the High Falls Fire Station for four decades, but soon, the station may have a new home. The commissioner’s office is hoping to hear from the public.
Monroe County’s oldest active fire station has worn with age, having flooding and septic problems.
“The old building was antiquated, it was just functionally obsolescent. It had a lot of things that just needed to be repaired or replaced down to the slab itself,” says County Commissioner Eddie Rowland.
Building a new station has been in the works since 2021, but county Commissioner George Emami says before they move forward, they need to get public feedback.
This new location, with some renovation, will accommodate men's and women’s sleeping quarters, new fire engines, new septic systems, and their dive team. It will allow firefighters to better service the needs of the area.
“Our next engine in is Johnsonville and then the city of Forsyth. Having it a couple miles closer and, again, having the facilities that we can get in and out really easy, is going to make an improvement to the quality of service we can provide,” says Fire Captain Christina Bramlett
Rowland says it will help the neighborhood in ways other than emergency services.
“[It is] also an area for public use. Like I said, a community center that will help service the area," Rowland said.
Neighbors are already giving positive feedback.
“It's great to know that they’re getting something new. You don’t want your first responders not being able to live in the conditions they need to be in so they can get to you on time,” says Ben Blackerby.
Charles Kimbell has lived in High Falls for over 50 years, and he says he’s really happy the area is getting a new fire station.
“I feel safe. I even felt safe with the old one, but the new one will be a lot better and I'll feel a lot safer with it,” Kimbell adds.
Emami is asking people in High Falls and the rest of the county to share their opinions on renovation plans. You can contact Emami through the county commissioners' office.
The department hopes the renovations will also come with new volunteers. They are looking to fill 21 positions, and you can apply at their website.
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