East side station already shows benefits

Fort Scott Fire Station No. 2, located at First and Franklin streets, has been in operation since January. Improvement has already been noticed in response times to calls on the east side of town. (Tribune photo/Michael Pommier)

Now in operation for about a month and a half, Fort Scott Fire Station No. 2 is showing to be proof positive to the community.

The most notable improvement with the addition of the fire station has been the evidence of quicker response times to calls on the east side of town. According to Fort Scott Fire Chief Paul Ballou, the response time has been cut in half. When operating out of one station, the response was about five or six minutes, however the response would take longer if the first responders encountered a train.

A few days ago, Ballou said, a woman was choking just around the corner from the station. He said because the station was there, she was able to get help quickly without having to wait for Emergency Medical Technicians to respond from the other side of town.

The majority of calls responded to by the Fort Scott Fire Department have been rescue and Emergency Medical Services calls. Ballou said only a small percentage of calls are for fires. He said more than 50 percent of the calls have been answered by Station No. 2. He added the number is higher due to the fact the rescue truck is operated from Station No. 2.

The operation of a second station has also given the firefighters a bit of a change. Previously with one station, the four firefighters would respond in one truck or two in a truck and two in an ambulance.

"It was pretty cut and dry," Ballou said.

Now a call will get two trucks. One will arrive quickly while the second will arrive to help. According to Ballou, the change has presented a few challenges in how to coordinate the two stations. He added having two trucks on a scene does have advantages.

"It's nice to know you've got a back up and some extra equipment," Ballou said.

Ballou said the crew has adapted well to the operation of two stations and are handling the coordination issues well.

"The operation of the two stations is going well, the guys really like it," Ballou said. "Now the guys have a little room to think."

The firefighters are on a 30-day rotation in which they operate out of one station, then move to the other station. The officers change stations on the first of each month, while the firefighters rotate on the 15th of each month. Ballou said the difference provided the officers the opportunity to work with different people.

According to Ballou, the station has a little more work to be done before it is fully functional. New workout equipment will be arriving soon, and the computer system still has some kinks to be worked out. He added that future plans included applying for grants to purchase a new truck and a back-up generator.