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Wake County, Northern Wake Fire and partners break ground on new public safety station in northern Wake
Summary
County and public-safety leaders joined a ceremonial groundbreaking for a new Northern Wake public safety station, citing rapid county growth and increased emergency calls; officials said colocated fire, EMS and sheriff resources will improve response times and community coverage.
Wake County and local public-safety leaders on Monday held a ceremonial groundbreaking for a new public safety station in northern Wake County, saying the facility will improve emergency response and community coverage.
Shanika Thomas, Wake County commissioner for District 6, said Wake County is growing quickly and framed the station as part of the county's response. "We're adding about 66 people a day," Thomas said, and she added that the Wake County Fire Tax District experienced "almost 3,000 more calls from 2023 to 2024," a trend she cited in support of expanding the tax district to include the area around the new station.
Ashley Jacobs, Wake County deputy county manager, described the groundbreaking as the culmination of years of planning and investment. "I'm so happy to be here with all of you to break ground on this new public safety station," Jacobs said, noting the county has recently opened stations in Garner, Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, Knightdale and Apex and has plans for stations in Cary and Zebulon. Jacobs thanked commissioners, county staff and outside partners — including ADW Architects and G and G Builders — for work on the project.
Northern Wake Fire Chief Travis thanked partners and firefighters and said the new facility "will improve response times, expand coverage, and provide safer working conditions for our crews." Sheriff Willie Rowe called the collaboration among police, fire, rescue and emergency management "a win win for everyone," emphasizing the need for timely responses and readiness when residents call 911.
Officials said colocating Northern Wake Fire and Wake EMS at the site will allow both services to continue high-quality work and provide a place for Wake County sheriff's deputies to stop in and work as needed. Speakers also cited faster response times and lower insurance costs for nearby residents as expected benefits. The speakers did not specify project funding sources, construction timeline or an estimated completion date.
Following the remarks, elected officials, department leaders and firefighters performed a ceremonial dirt-turning to mark the start of construction.
The county did not announce a construction schedule or funding breakdown at the event; county staff said they expect to return for a grand opening celebration when the station is completed.
