'Pride, Reflection And Vision': Manhattan Fire Protection District Breaks Ground On New Station 81

MANHATTAN, IL — With shovels in hand and decades of service behind them, the Manhattan Fire Protection District (MFPD) officially broke ground on its future Station 81 and Administrative Headquarters; a long-anticipated milestone that will transform emergency response for the growing community.

Held on July 31, the groundbreaking ceremony brought together elected officials, District leadership, project partners, firefighters and residents to mark the start of construction on a modern facility that reflects years of planning, growth, and community commitment.

“This is a day of pride, reflection, and vision,” said Fire Chief Steve Malone, addressing the crowd.

“The fire service has changed dramatically over the past several decades, and our Fire District must evolve with it. This station is not just about today, it’s about tomorrow.”

A Vision Years in the Making

The journey to this groundbreaking began formally in June 2022, but Chief Malone emphasized that the vision behind it stretches back much further.

“This project is the result of years of hard work, data analysis, and community input,” Malone said.

“We conducted a two-year Community Risk Assessment. We listened. We planned. We debated. We focused on one goal: improving how we protect the lives and property of our residents.”

Using call volume, GIS data, and a 20-year service model, the District determined that the current Station 81—built in the 1970s—was no longer optimally located to meet growing demands. The new site near Eastern Avenue and Smith Road offers strategic access that will improve response times, particularly in the fast-developing northeast section of the Fire Protection District.

“The current station served us well for a long time,” Malone said. “But we now respond to over 2,700 calls per year, more than double what we handled just four years ago. We have outgrown that facility both physically and operationally.”

Built for Performance, Not Prestige

Designed with function, safety, and longevity in mind, the new station will serve as both an emergency response hub and administrative center. The facility will support full-time operations, advanced training, and provide modern accommodations for fire and EMS personnel working 24-hour shifts.

“We’re not building this station for awards or appearances,” said Malone. “We’re building it to serve. Every detail, from the location to the layout, to the equipment bays—has been chosen to improve our emergency response, support our team, and prepare for the future.”

The relocation of the new station will also help MFPD meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1710 standard, which calls for firefighters to arrive on scene within 6 minutes and 20 seconds of a 911 call, 90% of the time.

“That standard isn’t just a number, it represents lives saved, property protected, and minutes that matter in an emergency,” Malone said. “This new location helps us get there.”

A Community Effort

Throughout his remarks, Chief Malone highlighted the many people and organizations who helped bring the project to life, from elected officials and Village partners to architects, engineers, and internal planning committees.

“This day would not be possible without the vision, leadership, and collaboration of so many,” he said. “To our trustees, command staff, station committee, Village officials, county leaders, and our design and construction partners—thank you. Your work brought this from concept to construction.”

“And to the residents of this District: thank you for trusting us with the responsibility of protecting your families and homes. This project is for you."

Looking Ahead

Construction will begin immediately, and the District will continue to operate from the current Station 81 until the new facility is completed. Throughout the building process, updates will be provided to the community.

“This building represents far more than bricks and mortar,” Malone said in closing. “It represents our commitment to readiness, resilience, and excellence in service. Today we celebrate—not just the start of a construction project, but a step into the future of the Manhattan Fire Protection District.”

Quick-Hit Facts

• Total size: 21,639 sq. ft. on 3 acres
• Relocated to Smith Road to lower response times to growing areas of the Fire District
• Improved access to major thoroughfares for safer, faster emergency response
• Modern apparatus bays for efficient turnout and safer firefighter/paramedic operations
• Public education wing with advanced teaching technology and increased student seating
• Larger parking areas with convenient public access to programs and events
• Segregated conference areas for public interaction with easy entry access
• Enhanced security systems for staff and visitors
• Living quarters designed to enhance flow, function, and response time
• Six private firefighter bunks, a Lieutenant's bunk with office, and a future Battalion Chief suite
• Inclusive sleeping areas to support a diverse firefighting team
• Administrative space built for future growth and expanded public services
• On-site fitness room to support firefighter health and wellness