The Liberty Fire Department is inviting the public to join a historic celebration on March 19, as the department marks the grand opening of Fire Station 22 and its 100th anniversary. The event will take place at the new station, located at 119 Bowie St., Liberty, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an official ceremony starting at 11 a.m.
Free food, including barbecue sandwiches, chips, and drinks, will be provided for all attendees.
Fire Chief Brian Hurst explained that the decision to combine the grand opening and the centennial celebration was made to create one large, unified event for the community. The Liberty Fire Department, officially established in September 1925, has served the city for a century.
Construction for Fire Station 22 began in October 2023 and, despite minor delays, firefighters are expected to move in by March 1. The $6 million project was funded through a $5 million grant from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, with an additional $1 million allocated by the City of Liberty.
The facility is designed to meet the department’s growing needs, featuring three apparatus bays to house a ladder truck, booster truck, medic unit, and rescue boat. It also includes rooms for bunker gear, tool storage, hose racks, and a decontamination shower.
Firefighters will benefit from modern amenities, including training rooms, a lounge, a dining room, a kitchen, an exercise room, dormitories, offices, and a reception area.
Located south of the Union Pacific railroad tracks, Fire Station 22 ensures improved emergency response times for areas affected by frequent train traffic. Like Fire Station 21 on Lakeland Drive, the new station will be manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide consistent coverage for the community.
The public is invited to celebrate this significant milestone. In addition to a free lunch, attendees can watch the ceremonial uncoupling of fire hoses, which will officially inaugurate the station.