Photo: Visoot Uthairam / Moment / Getty Images
For the first time in nearly three decades, a Syracuse fire station is operational again. Fire Station 12, located on West Genesee Street, reopened on Wednesday (July 2), marking a significant milestone for the city's emergency services. The station, which had been closed since 1998 due to a reorganization of the fire department, is now back in service thanks to a $7.6 million grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This funding was part of the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, which aims to enhance local fire departments' abilities to meet staffing and response standards.
The reopening of the station is crucial for Syracuse, as the city has experienced a record-breaking increase in construction and economic development. In 2024 alone, the city reported $413 million in permitted construction value, highlighting the need for expanded emergency services. Fire Chief Michael Monds emphasized the importance of the station's reopening, noting that it will help manage the growing number of emergency calls and reduce response times throughout the city.
Mayor Ben Walsh expressed his excitement about the station reopening, acknowledging the challenges that come with the city's growth. He assured that the SAFER grant is secure, despite federal funding uncertainties. The grant will also allow for the hiring of twenty new firefighters, covering their salaries and benefits for three years.
The newly reopened station has already responded to its first call, a fire alarm on East Willow Street, signaling the start of what Chief Monds called "a new era in public safety" for Syracuse.