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The Joliet Fire Department is moving forward with the construction of a brand-new station for Station 3. This development marks a significant milestone for the department as they prepare to replace their existing facility on Grove Road. The new station, located along Laraway Road, is expected to cost approximately $1.6 million, with $1.1 million of that funding coming from a federal grant. Groundbreaking took place earlier this winter, setting the stage for what promises to be a modern and efficient facility.
*Caption: The current fire station at 319 Grove Road will soon be replaced by the newly constructed building, as captured in this image by Karl Klotz.*
In addition to serving as a state-of-the-art emergency response hub, the new station will also introduce a unique feature not present in the existing structure: separate locker rooms and bathroom facilities designed specifically for women. While Joliet has yet to have any female firefighters on staff, Fire Chief Joe Formhals believes that this situation won't persist indefinitely.
"We're definitely going to see more women joining our team," Formhals stated confidently. "It's just a matter of time. I don't expect a sudden influx of female recruits, but their presence will bring a fresh perspective and dynamic to our operations."
As of now, roughly 200 individuals remain on Joliet's eligibility roster for firefighting positions, though only four or five are women. Recruitment typically begins at the top of the list when openings arise. However, Chief Formhals noted that the city hasn't refreshed its eligibility pool in several years due to a de facto hiring freeze. He expressed optimism about creating a new list and securing funds for additional hires in 2012. Encouraging more women to apply might involve requiring candidates to hold paramedic certifications, a qualification that sees growing interest among female trainees.
A rendering of the upcoming station provides a glimpse into its future design, showcasing advanced architectural elements aimed at enhancing functionality while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
*Caption: A visual preview of the new station under construction, reflecting the department's commitment to modernization.*
For those interested in learning more, the full article is available [here]. Special thanks go out to Dennis McGuire Jr., who first brought this story to light.
This project highlights not only the expansion of infrastructure but also the potential diversification of the Joliet Fire Department—a shift that could herald exciting changes in how the service operates moving forward.