LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Mayor Craig Greenberg has announced a significant investment of $6 million to upgrade and repair Louisville’s fire department facilities and equipment.

Among the beneficiaries of this funding is Engine 17, one of the city’s oldest firehouses, located in the shadow of the Old Forester Distillery. This historic building, over a century old, is set to receive $335,000 in renovations. Work on the second floor commenced a few weeks ago, with additional repairs on the exterior and first floor scheduled to begin after the Kentucky Derby.

The past year proved to be exceptionally demanding for Louisville’s fire department, highlighting the urgent need for new equipment.

Investigations revealed that the rope used during the Second Street Bridge rescue was a decade old—well past its service life. Additionally, during a nighttime fire at St. Paul German Evangelical Church, an aging ladder truck malfunctioned in the middle of the street, further emphasizing the necessity for equipment upgrades.

To address these issues, the department is allocating $5 million toward purchasing new fire apparatus. This includes three new fire engines—essential for water pumping—and one specialized fire truck equipped with advanced firefighting tools. Given that these vehicles are custom-built for the Louisville Fire Department, delivery is expected to take up to three years.

Several fire stations are also slated for upgrades:

• Engine 20 (Bardstown Road): This historic firehouse will undergo $650,000 in repairs, focusing on improvements to the first-floor living area. A contractor has yet to be selected, but work is anticipated to begin in September.

• Fire Station 11 (Rubel Avenue, Highlands area): Set to receive $50,000 for a new concrete driveway and improved access to the rear of the building.

• 235 East Jefferson Street: This downtown facility will see a $100,000 investment in new windows, which have already been ordered and are scheduled for installation in June.

Despite these planned renovations and equipment upgrades, the department still requires an additional $25 million to address other necessary repairs and keep up with its aging infrastructure. The continued investment in the city’s fire services is crucial to ensuring firefighters have the resources they need to respond effectively to emergencies and keep the community safe.

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