The Beaumont Fire Department is balancing service in an effort to better serve the citizens of Beaumont.
The city is relocating three fire stations in the east side of town. They are fire stations 1, 2, and 11. The moves will eliminate an overlapping of coverage. Station 2 is the first to move.
When rushing to a scene, seconds can save.
"There's nothing like speed and fire service," Station 2 Captain Ryan Jones said.
Jones is going on two years as the lead at Fire Station 2. The station was built in 1948. The building on Ironton wasn't constructed for the firefighters of today.
"You can see the stall doors are pretty small compared to the engine,"
The inside reflects on the stations age too.
"It's certainly old school fire station so it's a little cramped. The living quarters, you sleep in the same room with everybody, eat in the same room with everybody. You're always in the same room with everybody," Captain Jones said.
But that will become a thing of the past. Station 2 is moving as part of a three station relocation which means three new up to date fire stations.
Station 2 will move to an area near Lucas and Helbig next to the Elmo Willard Library.
"We have some overlapping coverage. We're taking our current resources and redistributing them," Fire Captain Brad Penisson said.
Penisson says while a new facility will greatly benefit it's personel, the moves are truly for the citizens.
"By relocating we're actually reducing response time so we can get to locations quicker. If it's a medical emergency or a fire, time is of the essence so we can respond quickly," Captain Penisson said.
A possible addition to the new stations are private sleeping quarters, something Captain Jones looks forward to.
"It's always nice to have new things," He said.
Moving Station 2 is just the first step in the process. It should be completed in the next 12 to 18 months. It is being paid for through federal grants.
The Other two stations will follow after Station 2 is completed. Station 1 and 11 will be paid from the city's Capital Improvement Program.
