Memorandum

To:     Mike Wildgen, City Manager

From: Regan Gerlt, Management Intern

Mark Bradford, Deputy Fire Chief

Date:  April 6, 2005

Re:     History of Fire Station No. 5

In 1928, Lawrence received its second fire station in what was then considered South Lawrence.  Fire Station No. 2 opened on November 15, 1928, with one pumper that was assigned a crew of three.  Located on 19^th and Massachusetts, Fire Station No. 2 functioned as a fire station from 1928 to 1972.  In 1955 a small addition was built on the original structure adding additional office and dorm room space.  Gold Cross Ambulance Service (a private provider) utilized the building from 1972 – 1974.  In 1974, the Douglas County Ambulance Service was established as the first county provided ambulance service.  DCASS moved into the building and renovated various areas throughout the building. It was not until 1979 that the Fire Department moved back into the building, changing the name to Fire Station No. 5.  The following timeline provides the uses for Fire Station No. 5. 

1928 – 1972                    Fire Station No. 2

1972 - 12/1974                Gold Cross Ambulance Service (Private)

12/1974 – 1/1979            Douglas County Ambulance Service

                                      Only DCASS Station in Douglas County

1/1979 – Present              Station No. 5

                                      Shift Commander Quarters

                                      2/2005 – 24/7 staffed medic unit

The building is a two-story brick structure with 2 apparatus bays and storage on the ground level.  An office, utility area, small bathroom/locker room, two dorm rooms and an open kitchen are located on the second floor.  There is approximately a total of 2996 square footage equally distributed between the two floors.

Parking is generally restricted to approximately three to four vehicles at the rear of the building.