Neighborhood rallies for Sandy Springs Fire Station 5 grand opening

The neighborhood witnessed the opening of Sandy Springs Fire Station 5 on July 1, a building designed to look like a home rather than a government building.

City officials held a “pipe uncoupling” ceremony to mark its opening at 7800 Mt. Vernon Road.

After the ceremony and lunch, the fire station became operational with four firefighters on duty for the fire station’s first shift.

Councilman John Paulson, who represents the city’s northeast side, has advocated for a new fire station closer to the area since taking office in 2010,

“The community’s challenge was how to integrate this station into the neighborhood,” he said.

Kristen McNamara, who lives in the Deerfield subdivision with her family, said the building fits in with its surroundings.

“It adds a level of security and confidence to have them so close now,” she said.

Fire Chief Keith Sanders thanked the architect, contractors and staff who helped during the construction process. He offered special thanks to the fire station’s neighbors.

“I never got a phone call complaining and I know there was a lot of noise here because I was there at least three times a day. Every day there was a lot of noise,” he said. “We did our best to keep the mud from building up on the streets.”

In addition to the two fire truck bays, kitchen, sleeping quarters, fitness room, climbing wall and conference room for training, the new fire station has a decontamination station. Paul said the highest death rate for firefighters is cancer. They go into burning buildings with carcinogenic materials burning.

Reeves Young bid $8.4 million and was awarded the contract in November 2022 after another company’s bid was rescinded when it came back asking the city for $8.8 million.

Mayor Rusty Paul said that when Sandy Springs was founded as a city, one of the most startling statistics was that in the event of cardiac arrest, the chance of survival was 1 percent. Public safety became the new city’s top priority.

“When you are in an emergency and you need help, the sweetest sound is the siren because you know help is on the way,” he said.