HFD Cherry Lane Station 6 Dedication – September 11, 2010

Hillsboro Fire and Rescue formally dedicated the Cherry Lane Fire Station No. 6 in a ceremony held on Saturday, September 11, 2010. More than 300 people attended the event which included an open house and station tours.

The 16,000 square foot facility went into operation August 2nd and has averaged between four and five calls a day. It was built to serve the eastern portions of the City of Hillsboro where response times were exceeding our goal of four minutes 75% of the time. A career crew will staff this station 24/7. The facility will also be home to the 25 Volunteer Firefighters as well as the Training staff. The 56 seat smart classroom will providing valuable training for the more than 70 fire, rescue and medical certifications that firefighters seek and retain.

Fire Chief Gary Seidel was away in Pennsylvania taking part in the 9/11 Memorial ceremonies. In his place, Deputy Chief Sam Phillips outlined the station’s importance to the city and to the regional public safety network.

The station was dedicated in honor of all those firefighters who risked their lives in service to the citizens of Hillsboro and to the late James Gentry. Chaplain Gentry came to work at Hillsboro Fire Department and formed the first chaplain’s corp. He laid the groundwork for what is now an integral part of our service to the community. A chaplain is dispatched to every working fire, every major motor vehicle accident--any type of incident in which there has been a significant traumatic injury or death--to help the survivors deal with the emotional trauma that they may have incurred. The chaplains also are there to support our firefighters following sometimes horrific or tragic incident.

Our day included cake, cookies, coffee and fun for the kids. We appreciate the support of the citizens who authorized the Local Option Levy which helps pay the salaries of the firefighters who staff this station. We pledge to provide caring and compassionate service by highly trained men and women. You deserve nothing less than our best.