City leaders break ground on future Westside Jacksonville fire station, 911 backup call center

Jacksonville city leaders broke ground Wednesday morning on the future Fire Station 73 and 911 backup call center near Cecil Airport on the Westside, cutting emergency response times by nearly half in a local community.

City leaders say the JSO and JFRD backup call center will be ready if the main system goes down -- and will also serve as a training center.

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Additionally, it will also house the area’s first rescue unit near the Amazon and GE facilities.

“Talking 10-15 minutes for rescue (currently). With a rescue unit out here, you’re talking 4-6 minutes,” JFRD Chief Kurtis Wilson said regarding the reduction in response times once Fire Station 73 opens.

City leaders say having the new facility close by will also help neighbors save money on their insurance.

Fire Station 73 is set to open next summer.

Cox Media Group