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VINEYARD — Firefighters, residents and city officials gathered Wednesday to celebrated the groundbreaking of Vineyard's first firehouse.
Vineyard currently receives fire services from the Orem Fire Department, which also covers the city of Lindon. As the city of Vineyard has grown, the demand for safety services has increased, Vineyard city manager Eric Ellis said.
The new firehouse will fulfill the need for safety services in Vineyard, as currently, there are no Orem fire stations west of I-15.
"This new station will play a vital role in providing the safety that our community needs," Ellis said. "Having our fire station west of the tracks, here in the downtown, will enhance response times and provide exceptional emergency services. This firehouse is a critical investment into Vineyard."
The firehouse, located at 226 W. 80 South, is anticipated to be up and running in July 2025. It will be built in a neighborhood with a residential-style design and will cost about $1.5 million.
"It takes many hands to make something like this happen," Vineyard Mayor Julie Fullmer said.
The mayor said she is excited to share the firehouse's "innovative model" with everyone. The firehouse will be designed as a home so it fits seamlessly into the neighborhood and creates a "welcoming environment but still be able to provide critical public safety right where the residents need it."
Having the station in a neighborhood places the firefighters directly into the community to foster better connections between the firefighters and residents, Fullmer said. The station is also designed to promote unity and camaraderie by housing the firefighters in a more home-like setting.
"They will be more than just first responders. They will be committed neighbors — trusted neighbors committed to keeping the area safe and peaceful and thriving," she said.
While the station may look like a home, it will be ready to respond like a fire station, the mayor said.
"We want to fit in. We want to blend in and be part of the community. And I promise you, there's not a better neighbor than a firefighter," Orem Fire Chief Mark Sanderson said.
Sanderson said the partnership between Orem, Lindon and Vineyard allows for a higher level of emergency services and safety to be given to all residents. Because the Vineyard firehouse will be staffed by Orem firefighters who already serve Vineyard, Sanderson anticipates a smooth transition once the station is ready.
The new firehouse is a "unique opportunity" that also showcases fiscal responsibility by "putting taxpayer dollars to their best use," Sanderson said.
What if the city decides later on that a firehouse would be better located somewhere else? Because of its design, this fire station could be sold later as a home, resulting in a much cheaper relocation than other communities have experienced, Sanderson said.
Lindon Mayor Carolyn Lundberg said the groundbreaking highlights Vineyard's dedication to safety and preparedness and will help build a sense of connection in the community.
"This groundbreaking is really fantastic because it represents a symbol of our three communities coming together for safety, unity and just a commitment to work together," she said.
Vineyard is building a stronger, more resilient community, Lundberg said, and the firehouse stands "as a beacon to that commitment."
Lundberg said the partnership between the cities on public safety benefits citizens "because we are optimizing and leveraging all of our assets and resources. Together, we are building a stronger, safer community."
Fullmer said the firehouse is an "affordable model" and a "forward-thinking" design that will have "an incredible impact."
"With this groundbreaking, we are truly bringing safety home," Fullmer said.
