Member Spotlight – Fire Station 2
April 15th marked a milestone moment for the City of McPherson as community members gathered for a ribbon cutting and open house to celebrate the opening of Fire Station 2. Under clear blue skies, local leaders, fire department staff, and residents came together at 1705 N. Main to commemorate the launch of the new station, which promises to enhance emergency services as the city continues to grow. The station was designed with a focus on faster response times, firefighter safety, and community outreach.
Fire Chief Chad Mayberry emphasized the importance of strategic placement, stating that the new location will help reduce response times on the north side of town.
“When we’re talking response times to fire and EMS calls, seconds count so it’s really that goal of getting to anywhere in the community in 3 minutes or less,” he said. “On this portion of town, this will help us get closer to meeting that goal.”
The opening of Station 2 means resources will now be more evenly distributed across the city. Trucks will be split between the new station and Station 1. Three full-time firefighters will operate out of the new building per shift, alongside four based at the downtown station. Because McPherson’s department is relatively small, volunteers remain essential—currently, eight are on the roster with room for seven more. Community members interested in serving are encouraged to reach out.
The new station also includes thoughtful design features aimed at firefighter health and well-being. Built with a “dirty to clean” concept, the facility separates contaminated gear and equipment from living areas to reduce carcinogen exposure. A red hose tower allows for proper cleaning and drying after use, and the living quarters include a modern kitchen and a comfortable lounge area furnished with recliners marked with the department’s insignia—highlighting the firefighters’ sense of duty, honor, and courage.
The station’s front showroom is another point of pride, displaying a beautifully restored 1928 American LaFrance fire engine. Funded entirely through private donations, the showroom stands as a tribute to the community’s support for its first responders.
As if to underscore the station’s real-world importance, two emergency calls occurred during the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a reminder of the department’s ever-present readiness. Mayor Tom Brown captured the spirit of the day, noting that the new station is “the first part of what we need to be a growing community.” With Fire Station 2 now operational, McPherson is better equipped than ever to protect its citizens as the city expands. Check out photos from the ribbon cutting here.