The City of Janesville and Janesville Fire Department will celebrate the opening of the new Central Fire Station (Station 1) at 303 Milton Avenue on Thursday, June 2 at 1p.m. The dedication ceremony will include a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and bell-ringing, followed by an open house. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the station and enjoy light refreshments. All members of the public, particularly the many stakeholders involved with the project over the years, are welcome and encouraged to attend this special event.

The Central Fire Station houses the Janesville Fire Department’s administrative offices and fire operations for the city’s central area. The new station replaces the former facility, and provides a safe and comfortable place for the Janesville Fire Department while meeting the space needs of today’s fire equipment. Replacement of the Central Fire Station has been discussed for 24 years, and the City is proud to reach completion of this important project. The Janesville Fire Department’s operations have changed significantly since the former facility was built in 1957. In 1960, Janesville’s population was about half of what it is today, and the department responded to just 570 calls for service as opposed to 8,642 in 2015.  In 2014, the City Council directed staff to proceed with plans to replace the former station on the same site. In April 2015, the City held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new station. Throughout April and May 2016, the Janesville Fire Department transitioned operations to the new facility. The new facility totals 31,530 square feet and is designed to serve the Janesville community for decades. The total project cost was $8.87 million, slightly under the original budget. The station was designed by Five Bugles Design of Eau Claire and constructed by Gilbank Construction of Clinton.

Please contact the Janesville Fire Department at (608) 755-3050 for additional information on the project or the dedication ceremony.