Waco Breaks Ground on New Fire Station #4

Created on August 07, 2025 at 12:00 PM

Chief of Staff Ashley Nystrom, City Manager Bradley Ford, Fire Chief Robby Bergerson, Mayor Jim Holmes, Sparky the Fire Dog, District 2 Councilmember Isabel Lozano, District 3 Councilmember Josh Borderud, Assistant City Manager Ryan Holt, Assistant City Manager Blu Kostelich, and Director of Facilities Derrick Oltmann. 

City officials, fire department personnel, and community members attended the ceremony at 801 La Salle Ave., the future site of the fire station.

The new 8,600-square-foot, $5.99 million facility will be constructed by Tegrity Contractors. It is designed to replace the current Fire Station #4, which has served the community near Baylor University since 1966.

"Relocating this station is about more than just upgrading infrastructure. It’s about strategic investment in public safety," said Waco Fire Chief Robby Bergerson in his remarks. "This move allows us to better serve the rapidly growing S. Third Street corridor and surrounding neighborhoods."

The new location is expected to directly improve emergency response times to this expanding part of Waco, helping the Fire Department meet the national standard of having the first fire truck on the scene within six minutes of a 911 call. The station will also support the City in maintaining its Insurance Services Office (ISO) Public Protection Classification (PPC) class 1 rating.

Waco Mayor Jim Holmes spoke about the role the new station will play in the community. "This facility, like all our fire stations, will be more than bricks and mortar — it will be a part of this neighborhood’s heartbeat," he said. "Our firefighters will call this place home for their 24-hour shifts, and we encourage residents to get to know them and make them part of the community."

Upon its anticipated completion in the spring of 2027, the modern Fire Station #4 will feature three apparatus bays, individual sleeping quarters, and accommodations for up to eight fire personnel per shift. The new facility will also be outfitted with specialized gear washers that remove carcinogens. The building's exterior will feature a Spanish-style design to complement the architectural aesthetics of the La Salle corridor.

"I’m proud that this station was designed with the surrounding neighborhood in mind," said District 2 Councilmember Isabel Lozano in her remarks. "The mission-style architecture reflects the character of this community, is part of a larger LaSalle Overlay District, and helps the facility blend into the local landscape. It's a point of pride, not just a point of service."

Learn More About Fire Station #4