City of Nappanee to Dedicate New Fire Station with Public Open House October 12

The City of Nappanee celebrated the opening of its new Fire Station, located at 1109 N. Main Street, Nappanee, with a dedication ceremony and public open house on Sunday, October 12.

Two events planned for the day:

• A dedication ceremony for invited guests and media only will take place from 2 to 2:45 p.m.
• A community open house will follow from 3 to 6 p.m., offering residents a first look inside the state-of-the-art facility, along with refreshments and guided tours. Parking will be available at Grace Point Church, 1155 N. Main Street; Thompson Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, 950 N. Main Street; and Northwood Medical Plaza, 1001 N. Main Street.

The new multi-million-dollar station replaces the city’s former firehouse, which served Nappanee for 55 years and had long outgrown the department’s needs. “This has been a long time coming,” says Nappanee Mayor Phil Jenkins. “Eight years ago, we started exploring how we could merge fire and EMS operations under one roof. This new facility is the result of collaboration, careful planning, and input from our entire community.”

Designed by DS Architecture and K2M Design, with Weigand Construction serving as general contractor, the new station represents a significant investment in the city’s emergency response capabilities and public safety infrastructure.

The new facility includes a training tower, eight dorm rooms for full-time firefighters, five two-deep apparatus bays, and a state-of-the-art ventilation system designed to remove diesel fumes and contaminants — enhancing firefighter health and safety. “This system provides a safer environment and reduces exposure to harmful materials brought back from fire scenes,” says Nappanee Fire Chief Don Lehman.

The station also pays homage to Nappanee’s unique firehouse heritage. The Smokey Stover logo, inspired by the comic-strip fireman created by Bill Holman, who grew up in Nappanee, is proudly displayed throughout the building. 

In 1962, Nappanee Fire received permission from Holman to use the character, cementing Smokey Stover as the department’s beloved mascot. A model of Smokey’s whimsical “Foo” car and original comic panels now decorate the new station’s training room.

“The opening of this facility marks a milestone in Nappanee’s continued investment in public safety, innovation, and community pride,” Mayor Jenkins says.

The new Nappanee Fire Station officially began operations on Monday, October 13.