THERE IS no doubt that the city of Shelbyville is growing at accelerated rates. Shelbyville Fire and Police Departments continue to adapt to such growth and make the city a safer place one day at a time.
With the help of Fire Chief Matt Doak and Police Deputy Chief Bryan Crews, the city plans to develop a facilities master plan. The plan will consist of restoring old facilities and constructing new facilities. It is a concept that works to fulfill the city’s infrastructure and facility needs and will consist of budgeting plans and layouts for future and existing facilities.
The current facilities are limited by location, existing stormwater system (the flume), and the age of the structures. Fire Chief Doak reports that with the growth the departments are experiencing in and around the community, they have to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of services. Those services require space, and equipment for employees and operations.
Doak plans to adjust to recent community changes by providing space for fire department employees. “We have a building that was designed for one administration, and now we have four or five people on a shift,” Doak said.
Their current facility on Lane Parkway does not have enough crew areas, living areas, administrative areas, and accessible apparatus areas.
They refurbished their dormitory living area, but they are still working to improve the quality of their facilities, despite such efforts. Doak reports that their main building is around 60 years old, and has “served its purpose.”
The facilities master plan will help them reach the next level of service they need, as well as the space needed. Doak said the facility’s master plan would allow them to do their jobs. “It’s not so much to enhance but to ensure services and performance.”
Doak reports the fire department is currently at a level where it cannot meet the minimum efficiency and performance standard. With the passing of time and the profound need for citizens to feel safe in their community, he feels it is essential to meet such requirements as effectively and efficiently as possible.
Doak believes the facilities they operate out of should complement the community’s needs. “60 years ago, the fire service was mainly worried about fighting fires, where today it’s fire, rescue, hazardous material, swift water, high angle rescue, EMS, and just about everything that becomes an emergency now involves my department.”
Doak appreciates running training programs in the new facility and looks forward to collaborating with Shelbyville Police Department to continue adding value to Shelbyville’s community.
“I can foresee that anytime we have a joint-use need, that is going to be our focus of effort.” The department’s leadership plans to workinterchangeablyto“enhanceeachother’s abilities to provide for the community.” -GN
