Firefighters, city leaders and neighbors gathered Tuesday morning in Star, Idaho, to mark the official opening of Star Fire Protection District’s new Station 55. The ceremony featured a traditional hose‑uncoupling ritual and the push‑in of the station’s fire engine – a nod to the historic practice of manually pushing horse‑drawn apparatus back into the barn.
Community Leaders Praise the New Facility
Fire Chief Greg Timinsky thanked the many volunteers, fire commissioners, city officials and neighboring departments who helped bring the project to fruition. “Opening a new fire station represents more than just a new building; it represents our community, our commitment to protecting our community, improving response times, and being here when our neighbors need us the most,” Timinsky said.
Mayor Trevor Chadwick echoed the sentiment, noting the city’s role in securing funding and support. “This has been long awaited,” he told the crowd.
Early Impact Shows Faster Response Times
Station 55 began a soft opening on Oct. 25 and has already handled more than 60 calls in its first 15 days. Timinsky reported that the new location has shaved at least five minutes off response times for emergencies in the area. “We are doing what we wanted to do for this part of the district, and these citizens are getting the service they deserve,” he said.
Local resident Julianne Brewer, who lives just around the corner from the new station, expressed excitement about the faster service. “I was so impressed when the chief said that the five‑minute response improvement is major when it comes to injuries or accidents. I’ve had a house fire before, so I’m thrilled we have such a quick response,” Brewer explained.
Funding and Future Plans
The station is currently staffed through a temporary levy approved by Star voters earlier this year, demonstrating strong community backing for public‑safety investments. Brewer added, “We were absolutely in support of funding this firehouse, and we’re so excited it’s finally here.”
Chief Timinsky highlighted that Station 55 also provides a backup engine for the broader Star district, reducing reliance on neighboring Eagle and Meridian fire stations. “It helps the entire district—from the north to the south, east and west—by giving everyone an extra engine,” he explained.
Looking ahead, the district is already planning the next expansion. Timinsky announced that Station 54 in nearby Middleton is slated to open next summer, further extending fire protection across both communities.
What This Means for Star Residents
With the new station in operation, Star families, seniors and schools can expect quicker emergency assistance, a critical factor in life‑threatening situations such as heart attacks, strokes or house fires. “Seconds are everything when you’re having a heart attack or a stroke,” Timinsky said. “Five minutes can be the difference between life and death.”
The community’s enthusiasm underscores the importance of local investment in essential services. As Star continues to grow, Station 55 stands as a tangible example of how public‑safety infrastructure can keep pace with expanding neighborhoods.
Location
Station 55 is located at 9415 W. Floating Feather Rd., Star, ID 83669, and is now fully operational, responding to emergencies throughout the district.
Original reporting: KIVI Idaho News 6 Boise metro (local) — read the source article.
