The Statesboro Fire Department’s long-anticipated third fire station is moving into the construction phase following unanimous City Council approval of a $4.8 million contract during its June 18 meetings. Planned for a city-owned parcel off Brannen Street behind Lowe’s, Fire Station 3 is designed to support emergency response operations on the city’s rapidly growing east side and relieve pressure on two aging and over-capacity stations.
Deputy Fire Chief Bobby Duggar presented the project overview during the City Council work session, highlighting both the logistical need and the long-term planning behind the decision. With Station 1 on West Grady Street dating back to the 1970s and Station 2 completed in early 2001, the city’s existing fire infrastructure is no longer sufficient to meet modern service demands. Ongoing residential and commercial growth has contributed to longer response times, particularly in areas farther from the existing stations.
Although the city’s service boundaries are changing—specifically with the July 1 transfer of responsibility for the five-mile fire district to Bulloch County Fire Department—city officials maintain that Fire Station 3 is still essential. That district, which includes areas outside the city limits previously covered by Statesboro Fire, is transitioning fully to county oversight. The city and county are also ending their longstanding automatic aid agreement but are working toward a mutual aid framework that would allow for coordinated responses when needed.
Despite this shift, city staff have emphasized that the demand for fire and rescue services within the city limits continues to grow. Several thousand new housing units are either under construction or in the planning pipeline, many located on or near the city’s east side. Fire Station 3 is expected to position the department to respond more effectively to this growth without relying on cross-city travel that can be delayed by traffic congestion.
Location Selected for Maximum Impact
The Brannen Street site was selected not only for its proximity to new development, but also as part of a larger location study analyzing response times and coverage gaps. The station will allow for quicker response on the city’s east side while also improving department-wide resource distribution. The site layout includes a dedicated access drive to avoid direct entry onto high-traffic corridors.
The 1.3-acre parcel was purchased by the city in December 2024 for $588,000. Since then, the Fire Department has worked closely with architect Frank D’Arcangelo to develop conceptual plans, with input from a firefighter-led internal committee to ensure the facility supports both daily operations and future flexibility.
A Station Designed with the Community in Mind
The two-story station will feature bay space for two full-size engines or trucks, offices, a gym, laundry and kitchen facilities, and an activity room on the ground floor. The second floor will house bunks, locker rooms, captains’ quarters, and a dayroom. A spiral slide—rather than a traditional pole—will provide quick access from the bunk area to the apparatus bays. Design features also include space for a future elevator and energy-efficient, low-maintenance construction materials. Brickwork on all sides will complement nearby buildings and reflect long-term investment in public safety infrastructure.
Construction Process and Timeline
The project is proceeding under a design-build model, with Lavender & Associates selected as the contractor. Council approved a base contract of $4.36 million, with an additional $440,000 set aside for FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) and any necessary site-related changes. Final architectural work will continue in partnership with D’Arcangelo.
The construction schedule includes approximately three months of design and engineering, followed by seven months of building. Station 3 is expected to be operational by mid-2026, aligning with the delivery of Truck 3, a new 75-foot Sutphen ladder truck purchased in 2024 and assigned to the new station.
Preparing for the Future
Although service responsibilities outside the city are shifting, internal growth continues. With more than 2,500 housing units currently under construction and additional development pending approval, city leaders say Fire Station 3 is necessary to ensure Statesboro remains prepared for emergency needs tied to residential density, commercial expansion, and future annexation.
Council’s vote to authorize the full project budget passed 5–0. A final decision on long-term bond financing is expected at a future meeting.
