Williamson County Fire Protection District officially opens Station No. 1

About a hundred local firefighters, dignitaries and citizens packed into the engine room of the new Station No. 1 in Marion Friday afternoon for the official ribbon cutting and opening of Williamson County Fire Protection District's newest facility.

The new state-of-the-art facility at 1505 E. Main St. replaces a building that was becoming a financial liability.

"The original building was built in the 1940s to house Absher Motors," said Steve Land, Secretary of the Board for Williamson County.

The new structure is approximately 8,800 square feet and features four double-deep, drive-through bays, a dedicated training room with space for 32 students, administrative offices, a fitness room, radio/watch room, and a combined kitchen/day room.

"It's going to accommodate the growth of new buildings and structures," said firefighter Eric Miller.

The WCFPD has seven stations spread throughout the county that cover the unincorporated areas of the county.

Marion Mayor Anthony Rinella said having the state-of-the-art facility in its present location is a bonus for Marion. "We're expanding to the east," he said. "They right here to help us out."

Former chief, Lindell Coriasco, described by Land as "chief emeritus," was on hand for the ribbon cutting. "It's amazing to see how far this district has come," said Coriasco, who retired in 2000, but admit he still "listens to the scanner."

First Southern Bank handled the financing. The project cost just over $1.8 million.

"It was not even a question," said board member David Anderson, referencing the cost. Anderson said the old building was in need of constant repair and didn't come close to meeting the needs of the district.

The new building was designed by Ryan Dodd of Baysinger Architects, LLC.