(LISTEN): Southwest Columbia’s new fire station had been critical for several years, Pitzer says

Columbia’s former fifth ward councilman is thrilled with the opening of the new $4.5 million fire station on Scott Boulevard in southwest Columbia. That’s one of the city’s fastest-growing areas.

Former councilman Matt Pitzer tells 939 the Eagle that the new fire station is critical and has been critical for a number of years.

“Just being able to respond. You know minutes and seconds can save lives when you’re talking about emergency response. And there’s so many homes that will be impacted positively by opening this station,” Pitzer says.

Mr. Pitzer, who left office in April after serving six years on the council, spoke at the recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new fire station. He says it’s positioned for future population growth.

“You know it is pretty far south and west as just as south and west as you can go in the city. But that sets us up for future growth, so that in the next five years, ten years, 20 years, as the city grows beyond where we are standing today, those future homes will be serviced by this station as well,” says Pitzer.

Columbia voters approved the $4.5 million fire station as part of the 2015 capital improvement sales tax extension. The 10,000 square feet station has three apparatus bays, a training room and multiple restrooms.