(Lawrenceville, Ga., Oct. 19, 2018) – Gwinnett County officials celebrated the opening of the relocated Fire Station 15 Tuesday with a ribbon cutting at the station’s new home at 199 Scenic Highway in Lawrenceville.

“We have needed this station expansion for some time now because Station 15’s three crews are among the busiest in Gwinnett,” said Fire Chief Russell Knick. “Gwinnett is the largest fire service district in Georgia, so the ability to keep up with the needs of our growing population is critical.”

Fire Station 15 covers about 17.5 square miles of the county. In 2017, the station handled 8,782 emergency responses.

The new, 10,788-square-foot building features three apparatus bays for engine, ladder and medic units. The station also includes sleeping quarters for 12 firefighters, a battalion commander’s office and quarters, a kitchen, dining area, dayroom, fitness room and storage areas for gear and equipment.

The $4.46 million project was funded by the 2009 and 2014 SPLOST programs. Cooper & Company General Contractors built the station designed by Precision Planning.

Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash said the larger, relocated station will continue to provide the high level of service to Gwinnett residents. Last year, the county’s ISO rating, known as the Public Protection Classification, improved by two points to 2-2X with the lower numbers meaning better ratings. The ISO rating is used by some insurance companies to set annual premiums for residential, commercial and industrial properties.

“I have to express my gratitude to the voters for repeatedly voting to approve SPLOST programs, which allow us to open new stations and relocate older ones for better coverage and faster response times,” Nash said.

The original 6,324-square-foot station on South Perry Street opened in 1981. The former station building has been demolished, and a Bicentennial Plaza commemorating Gwinnett County’s 200^th year is being built on the site.

District 4 Commissioner John Heard said the new facility fits in with the economic development occurring in Lawrenceville.

“With SouthLawn, the College Corridor and many other projects currently revitalizing downtown, the County is happy to contribute with the new Bicentennial Plaza,” Heard said. “The impact of the plaza and the relocation of Station 15 will continue to make Gwinnett the best place to live and do business in the universe.”