When Overland Park officials decided it was time to build a fire station in the growing southwest part of the city, they were hamstrung. Like a homebuyer in a seller’s market, the fire department couldn’t find affordable land in the right location.
The answer?
A partnership that’s giving birth to both a fire station and a new career program for students in the Blue Valley School District.
Fire Station No. 48 is under construction on donated land near Blue Valley Southwest High School, and the school district is gearing up to offer a fire science program using Overland Park training facilities and instructors from the fire department.
Graduates will be equipped to take the exams required to enter the fire service.
“I’ve been very impressed. Solving problems with them, and putting a program together, has been a treat. They’re high horsepower,” said Overland Park Fire Chief Bryan Dehner.