CLEVELAND, Ga. — The City of Cleveland will officially open its new fire station with a grand opening and traditional “push-in” ceremony on Friday, October 3, at 11 a.m. The public is invited to join city officials, firefighters, and residents at the new station, located at 84 East Underwood Street, for the celebration. Food and refreshments will be provided.
The new facility replaces a downtown landmark. Earlier this year, the Cleveland City Council approved demolishing the old Wards Funeral Home building, which the city purchased to make way for the fire department’s new home. City Administrator Kevin Harris called the project one of the most exciting developments during his tenure.
“This is probably the most exciting thing we got to do since I have been with the city,” Harris said when the project was approved. The city worked with Ron Cantrell Construction Inc. of Cleveland to complete the demolition and construction.
A station designed with firefighters in mind
The four-bay fire station features modern amenities, including offices, a kitchen, and sleeping quarters. Public restrooms are also being built for use by visitors and those enjoying nearby Freedom Park.
Cleveland Fire Chief Ricky Pruitt said his department helped shape the design.
“We tried to make it what we know will work out for us rather than taking another department and making it fit our needs,” Pruitt explained. “We put requests in what we felt would meet our needs.”
Before demolition, firefighters took advantage of the old funeral home for valuable training. Crews conducted smoke drills, search and rescue, and building ventilation exercises.
The city’s current fire station has served for more than 50 years. Friday’s push-in ceremony will celebrate the city’s investment in Cleveland’s future. The tradition, which dates back to the 1800s, involves firefighters physically pushing a new fire truck into its bay — symbolizing teamwork and the start of a new chapter of service to the community.
