On August 11, 2023, the Smithville Area Fire Protection District began staffing Fire Station #3 located at 18315 Collins Road in the Paradise community. Opening the station was the culmination of several changes. With the approval of a 35-cent tax increase, SAFD hired an additional 12 firefighters. SAFD also conducted a promotional process to fill new 3 new Captain positions. Now, 4 personnel (a Captain, a qualified Driver, and 2 Firefighter-EMTs) are assigned to each of the 3 shifts.
Equipment assigned to Station #3 includes Pumper 13, Tanker 13, Squad 13, and Boat 3. Station #3 is assigned to a response area which extends from the Clinton County line south to approximately 179th Street; and from C Highway west to 169 Highway. Station 3 is also the first to respond to any incidents in the campgrounds or on the water of Smithville Lake.
Personnel from Station #3 have already made an impact on operations, responding to several motor vehicle accidents, medical calls, and incidents on Smithville Lake. One such incident was a near-downing on Smithville Lake in which the victim suffered a medical emergency while in the water at night. Station #3’s location provides for quicker response times in their response area, and additional personnel to respond to overlapping incidents.
Please watch our social media for an announcement of an open house so citizens may view the new station. SAFD is thankful for our citizen’s support!
Dave Cline, Fire Chief