Ribbon Cutting Held for New Gadsden Fire Station on Lookout Mountain
Gadsden, AL — The City of Gadsden held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday afternoon to officially open the new Gadsden Fire Department Station No. 5, located atop Lookout Mountain. Although the station has been operational for several weeks, the event marked its formal introduction to the community.
The station is situated in the upper parking area near the entrance to the Noccalula Falls Campground and is part of a multi-phase improvement project launched by the city. The project’s first phase was unveiled last month with the opening of the newly renovated Noccalula Falls Campground.
Mayor Craig Ford emphasized the urgent need for a new facility, sharing a personal story about visiting the previous station and discovering a severe leak above then-Captain—and now Fire Chief—Vance Bown’s bed. The former station was described as dilapidated and no longer suitable for use.
To ensure the new station complemented its surroundings, officials chose a log cabin design that blends seamlessly with the natural aesthetic of Noccalula Falls Park. City leaders praised the construction company and contractors for their high-quality work and efficiency throughout the project.
During construction, firefighters operated from a nearby manufactured home. The new facility provides much-needed improvements, including individual rooms for privacy, a full kitchen for meal preparation, and a well-equipped office space.
Nick Hall, Director of Human Resources and Liaison to the Fire Department, welcomed attendees to the event and introduced Mayor Ford. The mayor expressed his gratitude to all who contributed to the station’s completion.
City Engineer Heath Williamson and other officials also delivered remarks following the mayor’s speech.
Thomas M. McElrath
Chief Vance Brown:
District 7 Councilman Chris Robinson
Mayor Craig Ford Closing Remarks:
The facility will also include a new police satellite precinct. It will be located at the front of the building—under the same roof as the fire station, but in a separate space. This addition will provide officers assigned to the mountain area with a local base of operations, eliminating the need to leave the area during their shifts. The precinct is expected to enhance neighborhood security and serve as a valuable resource, enabling officers to work more efficiently. Staffing and other operational details are still being finalized, and further information will be shared once the facility becomes operational.
Photos from the event are available in the gallery below:
