The Owensboro Fire Department is moving forward with plans to rebuild Station 3 on Cravens Avenue, adding new features to better serve the community. They hosted a luncheon on Thursday for family and friends to say their final goodbyes to the current building.
Initially built in 1973, the station will be replaced with a two-story structure, including a fire pole and a third vehicle bay, to accommodate modern firefighting needs.
Charlie Brown, a retired firefighter who started his career at Station 3 when it opened, shared his sentimental attachment to the building.
“We were like a family here,” Brown said. “I’m going to miss this building. It’s emotional, really.”
He reminisced about the tight-knit crew and the strong sense of community they built over the years.
“We worked together and did things together after work. It was like a second home,” he said.
Station 3 has been vital to the Owensboro community for over 50 years. The decision to rebuild it comes as part of the OFD’s efforts to update facilities and improve operational efficiency. The new design will not only include modern amenities but also preserve the community spirit that has defined Station 3 for decades.
Chris Hagan, who took over for longtime firefighter Joe Biddle, echoed Brown’s sentiments.
“There’s a lot of memories here,” Hagan said. “This station was like a family. Everyone got along, and we watched each other’s kids grow up.”
Biddle, who was at the station when it was first built, noted that while the decision to rebuild is bittersweet, it is necessary.
“This is the second oldest station in the city,” he said. “It has served us well, but it’s time for an upgrade. I remember several families coming here and staying for a few days during the tornado – we’ve always been there for each other.”
Local firefighters agree the new Station 3 will be more than just a building; it will be a modern facility designed to meet the evolving needs of the Owensboro Fire Department. It will also stand as a tribute to the firefighters who have served there and the community that has supported them.
The project is expected to begin soon, marking the end of an era for the old Station 3 but the beginning of a new chapter for the Owensboro Fire Department and the Cravens Avenue community.
The City of Owensboro is currently accepting bids for the new construction.
