I believe it’s the absolute right thing for the community, and it is the right thing for the staff that are serving our communities.”

Fire Chief John Townsend

At the recent Hastings Area Rotary Club meeting, Fire Chief John Townsend took center stage, speaking candidly about the state of the city’s fire hall and what he sees as a crucial need: a new, modern facility to better serve the community.
For Townsend, this isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about safety, efficiency, and the future of Hastings’ emergency services.
“I think the good news from my point of view right now is this is as far moving forward as we have been in many, many years,” Townsend told Rotary members. “I believe it’s the absolute right thing for the community, and it is the right thing for the staff that are serving our communities. So, it’s the right thing to do, but we have a lot of steps in order to get there. I would love to see it sooner than later before I ride off into the sunset.”
His message was clear: the time for discussion is over, it’s time to act.
A building that’s showing its age
The current fire hall, built in the 1980s, has long since outgrown its purpose. Originally designed for smaller equipment and a leaner staff, the building now struggles to accommodate today’s larger fire trucks, increased personnel, and the growing demands placed on modern fire departments.
“Our trucks are getting bigger because they have to,” Townsend explained. “We’re responding to more types of calls, and we need the right equipment to handle them. But the building hasn’t changed. We’re squeezing these big rigs into bays that weren’t built for them.”
It’s not just the apparatus bays that are a tight fit. The living quarters and workspaces are outdated, too. What was once a forward-thinking design in the ’80s no longer meets the needs of a 21st-century fire department. Storage is cramped, training spaces are limited, and essential systems, like ventilation and decontamination areas, are behind current safety standards.
One specific concern Townsend raised is the department's ability to keep firefighting gear clean and safe. After a fire, gear often carries hazardous contaminants, and modern fire stations include specialized areas to handle this gear. Hastings’ current hall lacks this feature, putting firefighters at increased risk.
Growth and change in Hastings
As Hastings continues to grow, so too does the demand for its emergency services. The city’s population has increased, and with that comes more calls for help, ranging from fires and medical emergencies to specialized rescue situations.
“In the last decade, we’ve seen call volumes steadily rise,” Townsend noted. “We’re not just putting out fires anymore. We’re responding to medical calls, hazardous material incidents, technical rescues, you name it.”
Townsend emphasized that the current hall, while functional, limits the department’s ability to grow and adapt. With more staff and more equipment necessary to handle modern emergencies, the building has become a bottleneck.
A project many years in the making
For many in the Rotary audience, Townsend’s presentation brought a sense of momentum. This isn’t the first time the fire department has discussed the need for a new hall, but as Townsend said, this is the furthest the project has progressed in years.
“I’ve been with this department for decades,” he said, “and we’ve talked about this need more times than I can count. But now, there’s a real sense that we’re moving forward.”
The city has begun the early stages of planning. Feasibility studies have been conducted. Architects have weighed in. Potential sites have been identified. But, as Townsend made clear, there are still many steps ahead.
“There’s no question that building a new fire hall is a big undertaking,” Townsend admitted. “It takes time, it takes planning, and yes, it takes money. But every day we delay, we’re working in a facility that’s falling further behind.”
The right thing for the community, and the firefighters
Throughout his presentation, Townsend returned to a central theme: this isn’t just about the building. It’s about the people it serves and the people who work inside it.
“We owe it to our firefighters to give them a safe, functional space to work,” he said. “And we owe it to our community to ensure that we can respond quickly and effectively to emergencies.”
He pointed out that many of the firefighters in Hastings are career professionals who spend long hours at the hall, often sleeping there during shifts. The living conditions, while serviceable, are not up to modern standards.
Additionally, the fire service has evolved to prioritize health and wellness for its staff. New stations are designed to support mental health, reduce exposure to carcinogens, and provide spaces for physical training and recovery. The Hastings fire hall, Townsend admitted, is far behind in these areas.
“I want to see this happen not just because it’s overdue,” he said, “but because it’s the right thing for our people. Our firefighters deserve better. Our community deserves better.”
Community support will be key
Townsend made it clear that while the fire department is leading the charge, community support will be essential to making the new hall a reality.
“This isn’t something we can do on our own,” he told the Rotary members. “We need the backing of the community. We need people to understand why this matters.”
He was met with nods and words of encouragement from the Rotary audience, many of whom have deep ties to the community and understand the importance of strong emergency services.
City leaders are also involved in the process, working alongside the fire department to explore funding options and timelines. Whether through municipal bonds, state funding, or other sources, Townsend acknowledged that the financial piece will be a hurdle, but one that can be overcome with public support.
Looking to the future
As Townsend wrapped up his presentation, he spoke with optimism about the path ahead.
“I believe we’re going to get there,” he said. “I believe we’re going to build a fire hall that meets the needs of our community for the next 50 years.”
His closing words drew a smile from many in the room. “I just hope we get it done before I ride off into the sunset.”
For Townsend, that “sunset” isn’t here yet, but he’s clearly looking forward to the day when he can hand over the keys to a new station, knowing that the firefighters of Hastings will have a space that matches their dedication.
The Hastings Area Rotary meeting ended with warm applause for Townsend and a renewed sense of commitment to supporting those who protect the community. While the road ahead involves planning, funding, and patience, the momentum is undeniable. For Hastings, the future looks brighter, and safer, with a new fire hall on the horizon.