GIFD Marks New Era as Demolition of Former Fire Station #3 Begins

Grand Island, Neb. — The Grand Island Fire Department has officially completed its transition to the new Fire Station #3, marking the end of an era for the department’s longtime facility on South Webb Road.

Crews began demolishing the former Station 3 on the morning of Wednesday, November 5, clearing the way for final site work on the new facility’s parking lot and drainage. Originally built in 1987, the old station served the southwest portion of Grand Island for nearly four decades. To maintain full operations during construction, firefighters worked from both facilities until the new station became fully operational last week.

Located at 2310 S. Webb Road, the new Fire Station #3 features more than 500 additional square feet, a larger truck bay, expanded living quarters and modern safety features developed through years of fire service study. Nine firefighters will staff the station across three shifts, with capacity to grow to 15.

The new station can also accommodate both an ambulance and an aerial truck to better serve Grand Island’s growing southwest corridor. The previous structure didn’t afford those capabilities.

“I think the people driving by now are going to be able to see a very nice fire station,” GIFD Chief Cory Schmidt said. “The end is definitely in sight, and it’s very exciting for us.”

See a video interview here