FRANKFORT, Ind. (July 24, 2025) – The City of Frankfort marked a monumental moment for its public safety today with a ceremonial groundbreaking for Fire Station 4, the first new fire station constructed in the city in 57 years. The last similar event was the opening of the fire headquarters in 1968, while Stations 2 and 3, built in 1927 and 1939 respectively, remain operational.
The ceremonial groundbreaking took place at the location of Fire Station 4, located at County Road 600 West an State Road 28, and will cost the taxpayers no more than $10,350,000 in part to “Build, Operate, Transfer (BOT) delivery method.” The project is expected to take 13 months to complete, from ground breaking to ribbon cutting.
Fire Chief Matt Stidham welcomed attendees, emphasizing that the new station is crucial for the “development of the 28 corridor” and the expansion of the city’s fire protection. He credited the collaborative efforts of the firefighters, Mayor Sheets, the Board of Works, and the City Council for bringing the project to fruition.
Mayor Judy Sheets reiterated that Fire Station 4 will be an “additional station” designed to enhance the department’s ability to “serve our community to the best of our ability.” She thanked the Frankfort Fire Department, specifically naming Chief Stidham, Deputy Chiefs Josh Uitts, and Jamie Michaels, for their “due diligence” and perseverance through the project’s challenges. The Mayor underscored the importance of providing firefighters with “good facility, good training… good equipment,” and urged continued support for all public safety employees.
Rich Taylor, Vice President of Business Development at Envoy Companies, a project partner, commended the city’s innovative approach using the BOT delivery method. Taylor explained that this method ensures the project will be delivered at a “lower cost and at a cost certainty,” thereby protecting taxpayers from cost overruns. Envoy also announced a $10,000 contribution towards the purchase of a Safe Haven Baby Box for the new station, aligning with the company’s commitment to incorporate these boxes into new fire stations they build. Taylor further highlighted that the station fulfills a promise made by the administration to provide additional public safety support for NHK, a key corporate citizen in Frankfort.
Indiana State Fire Marshal Steven Jones spoke about the long-term impact of the new facility, stating that “the people will benefit a hundred years from now by the work that goes on today.” Jones stressed the profound impact of firefighters beyond saving lives, including preventing family stress and protecting economic development. He also reflected on the department’s history, noting that in 1890, firefighters were alerted to runs by a school bell donated to the department.
The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial groundbreaking, where Mayor Sheets, members of the City Council, and representatives from the Board of Works participated in turning the initial dirt.
