Tours of Murfreesboro's newest and technology filled fire hall #4 at 1321 Medical Center Parkway amazed residents on Saturday, and it continues 1:00-4:00PM Sunday (5/5/2019).

MFRD's relocation of Station 4 has enhanced the department's response capabilities. The station lies equal distance within two miles of the City's tallest building downtown, NHC at 13 stories, and the high-rise Embassy Suites at 10 stories. This enables the department to achieve Insurance Services Office (ISO) requirements for aerial apparatus response within 2.5 miles. The station houses a 100' Sutphen aerial apparatus which allows for more efficient response to the two previously mentioned buildings as well as Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, the Rutherford County Judicial Center downtown, and numerous hotels in the Gateway.

The Water Rescue Team, previously located at the station on Thompson Lane, will now run out of new Station 4.

Chief Mark Foulks said, "This not only allows us to more quickly deploy to water emergencies in this area. It also gives our personnel more opportunities to train with the Manson Pike Trailhead Dam and Stones River nearby."

The new location also makes it easier for firefighters to respond to emergencies on the Greenway and Old Fort Golf Course.

Foulks noted, "A path was cut during the site work and development process to assist us in gaining better access to the Greenway, Old Fort Golf Course, and the river."

Other features of the new station:

• Small Police Precinct with a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle for Greenway access.
• History and Educational Room which includes the restored 1892 Ahrens Steam Engine.
• Multiple station design components to help decrease response times and enhance firefighter safety.
• Quarters for a second Battalion Chief.

Chief Foulks commented, "We are elated to finally be moved in and look forward to experiencing all of the positive attributes this station and its relocation have to offer."

The massive two-story glassed-in front showroom features a history of the Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department. It also features a historic piece of antique fire fighting equipment.

The 1892 Ahrens steam fire engine was the City of Murfreesboro's first piece of firefighting equipment. After the steam fire engine was taken out of service, it was stored in one of the sheds at Cannonsburgh Village for several years. The Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department wanted to have the historic engine restored for use as an educational tool, but also to be displayed at parades and other community events. Due to its fragile condition, the engine had to be lifted by a crane and transported via a flatbed wrecker to Mid-South Emergency Equipment, Murfreesboro, TN to undergo the restoration process.

The City contracted with Boyce Ballard Construction of Murfreesboro to build the new station. John Trail with Johnson + Bailey Architects, P.C. was the architect for the project.