The construction of two new fire stations in Cookeville has led to a record-breaking surge in firefighter applications.
Battalion Chief Cliff Venters said the department is currently finishing final punch list items for Station 3 and expects Station 2 on North Washington to be completed within the next six weeks.
“This last process, we got over 100 applications.” Venters said, “So you’re looking at what, 300, 400% increase? And I think a lot of that has to do with the upgrades.”
Venters said the department is currently moving equipment and appliances into the new buildings as they prepare for the transition
Venters said the new facilities are much larger than the existing stations, which were built more than 50 years ago. Venters said the current council has also approved the purchase of three new fire trucks over the last three years to modernize the department’s fleet. Venters said the crew is itching to move into the new space.
“They’re so much nicer than you know, the old ones have been there for so long and they’ve served a purpose and there’s lots of history in them, but they’re just getting so expensive to keep up and and and and they’ve they’ve just served served their purpose,” Venters said.
. Venters said many firefighters are vying for a spot in the new stations.
