Fire Station 23 is located at Milam Rd, Fairburn. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

On Wednesday, June 11, the City of Fairburn welcomed its newest fire station to the family. Fire Station 23 is a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance emergency response and community safety for its growing city.

Mayor of Fairburn Mario Avery said Fairburn was fortunate because it was ranked the 10th safest city in the state of Georgia, a reflection of their commitment to police and public safety.

โ€œTwo and a half years later, we stand here with one of the highest-ranking fire departments in the state of Georgia because of our extensive training and certified personnel,โ€ he said.

City Administrator Tony Phillips said the grand opening for the new fire station is a โ€œtangible example of turning a vision into realityโ€.

โ€œThis all started nearly nine years ago, in 2016, when the city had an aspiration to build a fire station, and a lot of things happened in the interim,โ€ he said. โ€œFortunately, about three years ago, with the advent of this current administration, we were able to pull this off with a team of professionals with the support of our mayor and council.โ€

Mayor of Fairburn Mario Avery (center) said Fairburn was fortunate because it was ranked the 10th safest city in the state of Georgia, a reflection of their commitment to police and public safety. Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

Phillips also said the new fire station will house multiple shifts across all days of the week.

โ€œThis is our first station on this side of Fairburn, which is rapidly growing. Weโ€™re excited about our firefighters being based in this facility and the services they will be providing,โ€ he said.

Fire Chief Cornelius Robinson said the grand opening is a โ€œjoyous occasionโ€ for the City of Fairburn.

โ€œTo have coverage on this side of town and on this side of I-85 is tremendous and a long time coming,โ€ he said. โ€œThis is our first station on this side of town, and with all the new apartments, businesses, and warehouses, a lot of our calls are beginning to pick up.โ€

He also said he reflects on March 13, 2006, as that started his path to where he is now, serving as fire chief in the city of Fairburn.

Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

โ€œOn that day, I was excited, and I thought about the decision I made to become a member of the fire department in this city. Fast forward to this day, 19 years later, itโ€™s one of the best decisions Iโ€™ve ever made,โ€ he said. โ€œThe city of Fairburn gave me the opportunity to fulfill my personal and professional dreams. Today marks a local accomplishment for the city after years of planning, setbacks, and challenges. Today, we officially open Station 23.โ€

Robinson also says the grand opening has proven dreams can become a reality, and those men who fought for the station over the years symbolize the profound priority placed on security and the safety of Fairburn citizens.

Photo by Isaiah Singleton/The Atlanta Voice

โ€œThis station is born of law for the courage and commitment that truly form the foundation of this place,โ€ he said. โ€œThereโ€™s a challenge of safety and preparation that truly aligns protection and leadership as defined by our firefighter community.โ€

Additionally, he said Fire Station 23 is a true testament to the spirit of service and leadership as defined by the Fairburn Fire Department.

Fire Station 23 is located at Milam Rd, Fairburn.

Born and raised in Stockbridge, GA, Isaiah always knew he wanted to become a voice for the voiceless. He graduated from Savannah State University in 2019, and since then, he's worked for The Marietta Daily...