Harker Heights: Fire station undergoes $4 million renovation

The Harker Heights Central Fire Station is getting a $4 million face lift.

Harker Heights Fire Chief Paul Sims said construction started in June, and is scheduled to be complete in March of 2018.

This is the first major re-model for the Harker Heights Fire Department, which is nearly 32 years old, Sims said.

The renovations include adding onto the existing building to create a separate space for administration offices.

The current structure will continue to hold the firetrucks and EMS vehicles, Sims said.

It is also being re-modeled to hold private rooms, bathrooms and common spaces for the firefighters.

"This is their home for a third of their life, each and every shift, and when you take that into account, they need to have the space to do what they need to do, just as if they were at home, but be in a ready state of response,” Sims said.

Toward the back of the property, a separate building is being constructed into a gym and training facility for both firefighters and all city employees as well.

The current building has been emptied, except for the firetrucks and EMS vehicles.

Firefighters are staying in temporary trailers, and administrative services have been transferred to a separate trailer as well.

Firefighter Michael Shepherd said the renovation will create a more comfortable and practical living space, which will translate into better services for the city.

"Any time we feel better, we perform better, and whenever we perform better, the citizens benefit from it, so it's going to be great for everyone,” Shepherd said.