SMYRNA, Tenn. (WGNS) - Construction is now underway on a new Rutherford County Emergency Medical Service station at 267 Weakley Lane in Smyrna.

The new station joins the County Clerk's Office, the Convenience Center, and the Regional Forensic Center on the same Smyrna campus. Its position near direct lake access points, marinas, and nature parks along the J. Percy Priest Reservoir will help first responders reach patients quickly. In June, Rutherford County Emergency Medical Service responded to 4,341 calls with an average response time of less than seven minutes, beating the nationwide median ambulance response time.

The 2,900-square-foot facility will serve as a design prototype for future county EMS stations. It features a two-vehicle ambulance bay built with future expansion in mind and has space to house four shifts of first responders. 

RCEMS Director Brian Gaither emphasized the long-overdue need for the new facility. Gaither stated that Smyrna and La Vergne have seen significant population growth over the years, yet the county has not added an EMS station in northern Rutherford County in more than two decades. He added that the new facility will improve coverage and response times while expressing gratitude to county leaders for recognizing the importance of investing in public safety.

Rutherford County Mayor Joe Carr also praised the project, noting that seeing the EMS station built alongside the Regional Forensic Center fulfills one of his major long-term visions for Rutherford County while supporting the community's top-tier ambulance professionals.

Crews will continue building through the end of the year, and the station is scheduled to be complete and fully operational by January 2027.