LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As southeast Louisville sees new housing and retail developments it leaves the question of who will respond to any future emergencies.
Right now, the Fern Creek Fire Department (FCFD) is the nearest staffed agency to take action but their main location is not as close as they want it to be. Starting next summer that will change.
Louisville Metro Councilman Jeff Hudson represents part of southeastern Jefferson County. In his office is a map showing several approved developments coming to District 23. They include new houses, apartment complexes and retail shops.
"We want to make sure that we're putting the infrastructure in place so we're minimizing negative impact on traffic, minimizing on safety," Hudson said.
Part of that safety plan is renovating FCFD's annexed building in Highview. It was originally designed for volunteer firefighters, but will soon host a 24/7 fire and EMS staff.
"This open air space is going to have a seven bedroom living space added," said FCFD Fire Chief Nathan Mulvey. "So it'll be seven bedrooms, new restrooms facilities. It will have a weight room."
The area south of the Gene Snyder is also seeing new suburban developments being constructed.
"Every bit of this... the City of Heritage Creek all of this was all farmland," said Highview Fire District Deputy Chief Rob Dwyer. "There was a big farm house over here. The park was about the only thing out here."
The changing landscape is adding more families to the district which means more people in need of first responders nearby.
"It's exciting," Mulvey said. "We've been able to do all of this without any changes to our taxes. Without any changes to the community without anything added to the residents. Which is a huge blessing."
The redevelopment of this campus will ensure first responders won't take long to respond to future emergencies.
The expansion project is set to be completed by July 1, 2025.
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