A one-in-176 million chance brought Platte County its newest fire and ambulance station to Camden Point, Mo. and now the city is ready to show off the facility. After winning half of the then-largest lottery in U.S. history back in 2012, Camden Point residents Mark and Cindy Hill donated funding for the a new station.
An open house on Saturday, July 16 at the newly-constructed station will allow the community to witness what a $3-million-dollar donation can do.
“The efficient use of taxpayer-provided resources is paramount in delivering our mission to the communities we serve,” said NRAD executive director Scott Roy. “We have additional building needs in our immediate future, and this great gift has allowed us to check off one big box in our strategic plan.”
The ceremony will start with a flag raising at 11 a.m., followed with a dedication and unveiling. Officials will conduct tours throughout the day until 5 p.m.
Both districts will display vehicles and equipment, provide information on their services and have staff on hand to answer questions. Light refreshments will be provided.
Fire district officials will also present a distinguished service award during the event.
The energy-efficient building located at 19959 Interurban Road boasts 12,800 square feet on the main level, housing both the Camden Point Fire Protection District (CPFPD) as well as the Northland Regional Ambulance District (NRAD).
Separate garages house the ambulance and fire vehicles used by emergency personnel. The main housing area contains a training room, living area, kitchen and storage areas. There are two bedrooms to accommodate the two-person advanced life support crew that is on duty 24/7.
The CPFPD started work on its new facility in early 2014. NRAD will move one of its three ambulances there to share space in hopes of allowing it to be utilized more often.
NRAD began staffing a third 24-hour ambulance after voters approved a 15-cent tax levy increase in 2006.
Dispatched as Medic 48, the third ambulance is currently housed at the Dearborn Area Fire Protection District’s Station 1 and will move southward on Interurban Road to the Camden Point Fire Protection District’s new fire station, located near the Camden Point City Park.
“NRAD’s No. 1 commitment is improving the outcomes of patients who suffer a medical emergency,” NRAD board president Charlene Bruce said. “We know this is accomplished by much more than buildings and shiny new ambulances. Our staff of highly-skilled EMTs and paramedics is the essential tool. This new facility provides a space for them to be prepared to quickly and efficiently deliver this critical service to our communities.”
Currently unfinished areas of the facility allow for expansion as the community grows. The fire district has 19 volunteers, many of whom are trained to levels of EMT, Firefighting 1&2 and Hazmat Operations.
The new fire station is about four times larger than the out-of-date facility the CPFPD left for the new station.
“We believe that what we know makes us better able to serve our patrons, and helps us be safer and come home to our families,” CPFPD chief Walt Stubbs said. “This new station provides room to grow for the next several decades, and gives us a state-of-the-art training room, which will be shared with all our mutual-aid departments.”
The location allows emergency personnel to provide more efficient service to those in need.
“The central location and immediate access to main roads of this essential resource allows us to better serve all of our communities,” Roy said. “This supports our mission of delivering quick and efficient advanced life support to those within our district who find themselves in need of our services.”
Although district officials say they are pleased with the impressive facility, Stubbs said they haven’t forgotten the family that made it possible.
“Our partnership with NRAD will benefit both districts,” Stubbs said, “and all those we serve, with a base more central to NRAD’s coverage area and room for storage of their mass casualty trailer. Both districts now have a new station, without the use of taxpayer funds. We are very grateful that the Hill family has blessed us with this gift, and will do our best to use it to improve services to our communities.”