Firetruck | Weigand Construction

Excitement filled North Main Street as Nappanee celebrated the opening of its new fire station. After a dedication ceremony and open house on Sunday, Oct. 12, hundreds of residents and area fire leaders toured the state-of-the-art facility at 1109 N. Main Street, getting a firsthand look at the city’s latest investment in public safety.

A Needed Upgrade

The new multi-million-dollar station replaces the city’s former firehouse, which served Nappanee for 55 years and had long outgrown the department’s needs.

“This has been a long time coming,” Nappanee Mayor Phil Jenkins says. “Eight years ago, we started exploring how we could merge fire and EMS operations under one roof. This new facility is the result of collaboration, careful planning, and input from our entire community.”

With Safety In Mind

Designed by DS Architecture/K2M Design, with Weigand Construction serving as general contractor, the new station represents a significant investment in Nappanee’s emergency response capabilities and infrastructure.

The new facility includes a training tower, eight dorm rooms for full-time firefighters, five two-deep apparatus bays, and a state-of-the-art ventilation system designed to remove diesel fumes and contaminants, improving firefighter health and safety.

“This system provides a safer environment and reduces exposure to harmful materials brought back from fire scenes,” Nappanee Fire Chief Don Lehman says.

An Iconic “Foo” Fighter

The station also pays homage to Nappanee’s unique firehouse heritage. The Smokey Stover logo, inspired by the comic-strip fireman created by Bill Holman, who grew up in Nappanee, is proudly displayed throughout the building.

In 1962, Nappanee Fire received permission from Holman to use the character, cementing Smokey Stover as the department’s beloved mascot. Visitors entering the new station are greeted by a replica of Smokey’s playful “Foo” car, with comic panels adorning the walls of the station’s training room.

“The opening of this facility marks a milestone in Nappanee’s continued investment in public safety, innovation, and community pride,” Mayor Jenkins says.

The new Nappanee Fire Station officially began operations on Monday, Oct. 13.

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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.

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

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

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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Celebrated Fire House Inspires Community