Tag: Fire Safety

First Responders React to Cutting-Edge Fire Station

Fire Station Entrance.
Project Video Thumbnail

The Mishawaka community now has increased capabilities for first responders actively serving the region with the successful completion of the new Mishawaka No.2 Fire Station. This $11.8M, 23,000 square-foot facility boasts additional space for staff expansion, a large, dual-purpose room for training and meetings, and more. 

Firetruck in vehicle bay.

Additional Features: 

  • Fire Simulation Room
  • 12 Individual Dorm Rooms 
  • 6 Individual Restrooms 
  • 5 Oversized Apparatus Bays for Fire and Emergency Vehicles
  • Occupancy for up to 36 Firefighters 
  • Training Room that also serves as as Public Meeting Space 
  • Separate Living Quarters for Male and Female Firefighters 

The station enhances living conditions for fire crews, allows for greater engagement with the community, and amplifies the fire department’s operational prowess in the region. It comes as a welcome upgrade from the Mishawaka Fire Department’s existing facility, which is over 60 years old.  

“Our old station does not fit the needs of today. What used to be an alarm-dispatch center, we had to put bunks in there to house everyone. It was so cramped. There also wasn’t a female quarter set up in that building. We knew we had to build for the future growth of the department of the city.” – Byron Woodward, Fire Chief, Mishawaka Fire Department 

Uncoupling a New Beginning 

Uncoupling Ceremony

Two important ceremonies were held during the official opening to dedicate the new building. The first included the traditional uncoupling of the fire hoses. This is a common practice symbolizing firefighters detaching hoses after extinguishing a fire, preparing them for the next emergency.

The second was securing and raising the flag of the original fire station on the flagpole of the new facility. This honors the storied history of the fire department and the legacy of first responders who came before. 

Another Community Milestone 

Meeting room.

We’re proud to have played a role in helping the Mishawaka Fire Department take the next step in serving their community with this new facility. We hope it serves firefighters, their families, and the greater Mishawaka region for years to come!

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Construction Kicks Off in Mishawaka

Weigand team and others breaking ground

Building is officially underway at the future site of Mishawaka Fire Station #2! Set to replace the current Fire Station #2, the upcoming facility will span 23,000 square feet. This expanded space will accommodate twice the number of crew members, feature a versatile training area that doubles as a public meeting space, provide ample room for future staff expansion, and will also be the first station in the region with separate living quarters for female firefighters.

Mayor Wood and Fire Chief Speaking

Additional Features:

  • 12 Individual Dorm Rooms
  • 6 Individual Restrooms
  • 5 Apparatus Bays
  • Occupancy for up to 36 Firefighters

This station holds the promise of enhancing fire crews’ living conditions, fostering greater community engagement, and amplifying the fire department’s capabilities and operational prowess in the region.

Standing in the Gap

The ability to reside in quarters that brings a more private atmosphere at the station creates opportunity for more time with family, which is the backbone of support for men and women serving on the force.

Mayor Wood and Mishawaka Fire Department breaking ground

“Your home family’s the big rock in your life and the most important thing ever. So, we want them to have their wives, kids, moms, dads, grandmas, and grandpas to come see our firefighters at work and be proud of what they do.” – Bryon Woodward, Chief, Mishawaka Fire Department

However, this endeavor will not only improve living conditions for fire teams and their families. It will also strengthen the ability to respond to emergencies throughout the region.

“The need for this investment is being driven by the significant increases in calls for service. The Mishawaka Fire Department reached a new yearly milestone in 2022 by responding to 10,686 calls for service (an overall 11% increase) that included 21,660 total apparatus responses in 2022. This means the department receives, on average, 1.2 calls for service every hour. The greatest number of calls for service continues to be for emergency medical service (EMS) responses. Our ambulances and fire trucks responded to 8,098 (10% increase) calls that required medical care. Mayor Wood indicated ‘This is a significant investment in Mishawaka that will provide increased capabilities for public safety for generations to come’.”

City of Mishawaka

We take immense pride in our partnership with Mishawaka, as our dedicated South Bend Team works diligently to breathe life into this remarkable project.


Mayor Wood and Fire Chief Speaking
Fire teams breaking ground
The groundbreaking site
Mishawaka Fire Station #2 team members
Mayor Dave Wood sharing his thoughts on the new fire station construction
The groundbreaking site with helmets and shovels