FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2006

Rededication ceremony held for Fire Station No. 29

The City of Kansas City, Mo., is working to fulfill the public's mandate to make much needed repairs and upgrades to its public safety facilities.

An uncoupling ceremony held Friday at Fire Station No. 29, 1414 E. 63rd St., marked a recently completed overhaul to the facility.

Representatives from the Fire Department, elected officials and City staff joined together for a symbolic uncoupling of water hoses in lieu of a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. Following the ceremony, tours of the facility were provided for those in attendance.

"The rehabilitation of this station is an excellent example of how an existing facility can be updated and transformed into a state-of-the-art facility," said Fire Chief Richard "Smokey" Dyer.

Completion of this project helps to fulfill an overwhelming mandate by citizens; in August 2001, Kansas City voters supported a one-quarter cent sales tax for operation of the Fire Department, including capital improvements.

Work began on the building last June. The City's Capital Improvements Management Office managed the renovation process, working with Wellner Architects and Kraus-Anderson Construction.

Features of the renovation include new windows, roofing and insulation in addition the replacement of two of the three garage roll-up doors and door operators. The newly painted apparatus bay was reconfigured to provide a weight training room, and enhance the day room and watch desk. Added efficiencies to the fire station are found with the installation of high-efficiency condensing furnaces, new supply and return ductwork, domestic water heaters with plumbing features, new toilet and vehicle exhaust systems, and more showers. A diesel fuel-fired emergency generator was added to operate the entire building in the event of a loss of electricity.