The Peoria Fire Department announced on April 9 that it will host an open house for its newest facility, Fire Station 16, at 2105 W Northmoor Rd. The event is scheduled for Friday, April 24, with tours of the station from 9:30 a.m. to noon and a program beginning at 10:30 a.m.
The open house marks the official introduction of Fire Station 16 to the community and provides residents with an opportunity to tour the new building, meet firefighters, and learn about department operations. Drinks and refreshments will be available during the event.
Speakers expected at the program include Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger, Mayor Rita Ali, City Manager Patrick Urich, State Senator David Koehler, and State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth. The new station replaces what was previously the oldest fire station in Peoria.
Fire Station 16 features updated technology designed to improve emergency response times as well as advanced health initiatives for firefighters such as diesel exhaust mitigation systems and gear cleaning equipment. The project received partial funding through state grants secured by local legislators. In addition to its operational improvements, the facility includes a community room that residents can use for neighborhood association meetings.
“This new Fire Station 16 represents a critical investment in the safety of our firefighters and the community we serve,” Sollberger said. “Thanks to state grant funding secured by our state legislators, we have been able to modernize our facilities, improve response times, and ensure that we remain positioned where we can have the greatest impact.”
The station officially opened on March 3 and is staffed around-the-clock by seven firefighters operating Engine 16 and Truck 14.
