The City of Salisbury will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Fire Station 3 at 150 Mahaley Avenue on Wednesday, October 15, at 11:00 a.m. Following the ceremony, the community is invited to tour the state-of-the-art facility between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
The new Station 3 replaces the original station at 1604 West Innes Street, which was built in 1956 and occupied in 1957. That building, the oldest and smallest of Salisbury’s stations, has struggled with structural issues due to unstable soil conditions beneath the foundation.
Fire Station 3 serves the northwest section of Salisbury. This area includes residential neighborhoods, Catawba College, Livingstone College, Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, and the W.G. Hefner VA Medical Center.
Made possible through $10 million in state funding secured with the support of State Senator Carl Ford and State Representative Harry Warren, the project not only supported construction of a new station but also supported other fire and law enforcement needs. This included the purchase of rifle-rated ballistic vests and helmets, construction of a decontamination facility at Fire Station 2, installation of a fire loop to enhance sprinkler coverage in the municipal service district, and the replacement of outdated fire trucks.
The new station houses the Fire Marshal’s Office, Emergency Management, City Telecommunications Services, Engine 3, Ladder 4, and spaces for community education. It features training rooms, fitness facilities, advanced ventilation systems, decontamination rooms, and specialized turnout gear storage, all designed with firefighter health and cancer risk reduction in mind.
Salisbury Mayor Tamara Sheffield highlighted the broader significance of the investment. “This project reflects our city’s commitment to public safety, fiscal responsibility, and long-term planning. Thanks to the support of our state leaders, we were able to replace an aging facility,
improve firefighter safety and strengthen emergency services across Salisbury without putting the burden on local taxpayers.”
Fire Chief Bob Parnell said the opening marks a turning point for the department and the city. “Station 3 has been the backbone of fire protection for Salisbury’s northwest side for nearly 70 years. This new facility not only replaces an outdated building but gives our firefighters the tools, resources, and safe environment they deserve to continue protecting this community at the highest level.”
The Salisbury Fire Department was established in 1817.