New Fire Station # 2—Replacement Faciity Dedicated in Missouri City

Fire Hose Uncoupling Makes for Unique Ribbon Cutting

by Elsa Malakoff Maxey

A dedication ceremony for the official opening of Fire Station # 2 at 12043 McLain in Missouri City celebrated the completion of the new station on January 29, 2008. The new building replaced a 30-year old temporary facility. Mayor Allen Owen and Councilmember Eunice Reiter, who addressed residents at the dedication, shared the history of the fire station in this area of the city, which includes Colony Crossing, Cravens Village, Fondren Park and the Fonmeadow subdivisions located north of the railroad tracks that run alongside U.S. 90A.

Dedication participants that were in the city 31 years ago reminisced as Councilmember Reiter reflected and related what brought about the establishment of the fire station. “Three houses burned to the ground because firefighters could not get through when a train blocked the passage of the fire trucks,” Councilmember Reiter said, “and a fire station was built in order not to have that kind of tragedy ever occur in the future.”

“We welcome our newest addition to the city facilities and we’re pleased that it will serve our residents,” said Mayor Owen. “Our responsibility is to provide the facilities and equip firefighters to do their job. We want to make sure that you are protected and safe and we thank you for what you do everyday,” he added as he addressed firefighters in the audience.

“They risk their lives for you and every citizen every time they leave this station,” he said to the residents at the dedication. Mayor Owen further commended Missouri City citizens for their commitment to safety in their community.
Fire Chief Russell Sander reported that Fire Station # 2 was constructed with funds approved by the citizens of Missouri City, when they voted to pass the 2003 bonds that included the replacement of the fire station. The new fire station is almost 8,000 sq. ft. in size and was constructed at a cost of $1,648,200. While the structure was undergoing construction during the past 12 months, firefighters and equipment were housed in temporary buildings.
At the dedication ceremony, special recognition awards were presented to Valerie Ruda, Project Manager with the City’s Public Works Department, who directed and maintained the status of the project, and Fire Lt. Michelle Braswell, who served in a lead role among firefighters contributing to the project. Lt Braswell’s project manager role allowed fire department administrative staff to perform duties in other priority areas.

The novel ribbon cutting at the dedication was staged in front of a fire apparatus. Serving as the ribbon was a new, red fire hose that was disconnected at the coupling to signify the official dedication. A tour of the new fire station followed which included a look of the office for the police department housed at the fire station, “something unique to each of Missouri City fire stations,” said Chief Sander. “This allows police to prepare reports and take care of office desk responsibilities in the neighborhood of their assigned areas.” This further enables a more integrated working relationship among members of the public safety sector serving Missouri City.

This novel ribbon cutting at Missouri City’s dedication of Fire Station # 2 on January 29, utilized a new, red fire hose in place of the traditional ribbon that is cut during ceremonies. Mayor Allen Owen and Councilmember Eunice Reiter (center) disconnected the hose at the coupling to signify the official dedication. Pictured are (l-r) Mayor Pro Tem/Councilmember Brett Kolaja, Fire Lt. Michelle Braswell, Councilmember Barbara Gibson, Mayor Allen Owen, Councimember Eunice Reiter, Fire Chief Russell Sander, Councilmember Buddy Jimerson, and Public Works Project Manager, Valerie Ruda.

Among the many guests, these Fondren Park residents and community civic leaders, (l-r) Linda Farr, Gloria Lucas, and Charles and Dina Williams, recently attended the Fire Station #2 dedication ceremony in Missouri City. They proudly show off commemorative T-shirts provided by construction Project Architect, Steve Lucchesi, and Bob Bass of Bass Construction Company. Fire Station # 2 underwent a dedication ceremony on January 29.

(l-r) Public Works’ Project Manager, Valerie Ruda; Fire Lt. Michelle Braswell; Project Architect, Steve Lucchesi; Bob Bass and Buck Bass of Bass Construction Company, who were all involved in construction phases of Missouri City’s Fire Station # 2, take a moment to meet, one more time, at the end result of a 12-month project. Fire Station # 2 in Missouri City underwent a dedication ceremony on January 29. The new fire station replaces a 30-year old facility.