Statesboro breaks ground on new fire station after 15 years of planning

by Olivia Wright

STATESBORO, Ga. (WTOC) - A plan more than 15 years in the making became reality as Statesboro held a ceremonial groundbreaking for its new Fire Station #3 on Brannen Street.

“The time is now and I’m glad to be a part of it and I hope you are too,” said Councilwoman Shari Barr.

The $4.8 million station will be funded through SPLOST. The city’s last fire station was built in 2001, when Statesboro’s population was nearly half of what it is today.

Fire Chief Tim Grams said the new station addresses the city’s growth and its impact on emergency response.

“Statesboro is experiencing a tremendous amount of growth. Commercial, residential neighborhoods. You know, the distribution of our resources is really critical,” Grams said.

The growth has led to longer response times in recent years, according to Grams.

“We have over the last few years seen those numbers starting to creep up on this side. Not necessarily than any other reason than just the growth and number of cars,” Grams said.

Station #3 is expected to be operational by the end of summer 2026.