Castle rock prepares for growth: new fire station breaks ground
Castle Rock, Colorado, is bracing for a significant expansion of its emergency response capabilities as the town prepares to break ground on Station 156 next week. The move signals a response to decades of rapid growth that has transformed a small, volunteer-run fire department into a bustling, professional force servicing a population nearly 90,000 strong.
A four-decade transformation
Fire Chief Norris Croom, who joined the Castle Rock Fire and Rescue Department in 1986, has witnessed firsthand the town’s astonishing evolution. “When I started, we had two fire stations and it was an all-volunteer department,” he recounted. The population then was a mere 7,500 – a stark contrast to the current figure of approximately 87,000. This growth has necessitated a considerable scaling up of services, and Station 156 represents the department's sixth station.
The new facility, costing $21.5 million, isn't just about size; it’s about strategic positioning. Located in the northeast portion of town, it will primarily serve the burgeoning subdivisions of Cobblestone Ranch and Terrain, areas experiencing particularly rapid residential development. Judy Barnett, a resident of Castle Oaks for three decades, has watched this transformation unfold from her own backyard. “Just overnight, you look out, and there’s another house,” she remarked, a sentiment echoed by many long-time residents.
Addressing response time concerns
The primary impetus for Station 156 is the need to address lengthening response times. Croom noted that current response times in the affected areas can stretch as long as 14 to 15 minutes—a critical timeframe when lives are at stake. “We believe that we’ll be able to cut those response times in more than half,” Croom stated, highlighting the potential life-saving impact of the new station.
Beyond fire suppression, the facility will incorporate a 13,000-square-foot logistics center. This centralization of equipment – currently scattered across various stations – will streamline operations. “If you need hazmat equipment, you might have to go to Station 5. If you need wildland equipment, you might have to go to this station. We’ll be able to consolidate it all into one central location,” Croom explained.
Funding for the ambitious project comes from a combination of sources, including TABOR timeout dollars, a general fund loan, capital impact fees, and certificates of participation. The station will require a staff of twelve firefighters, a number authorized by a 2024 ballot measure approved by Castle Rock voters.
As Barnett observed, the growth has brought challenges, but also new amenities. “We do worry about fires, especially with all the scrub oak around, and how dry it is,” she said. But the proximity of Station 156 offers a measure of reassurance to residents in the face of increasing risks.
The arrival of Station 156 is not merely an expansion of infrastructure; it’s a testament to the enduring capacity of Castle Rock to adapt and evolve, ensuring the safety and well-being of its growing community. The station is expected to be operational by 2027, a date that marks a significant step in the town’s ongoing story of growth and resilience.