We are proud to announce that Fire Station 48 is now serving southern Overland Park. The new fire station, located near 175th and Quivira, was opened on Monday, Nov. 29, by the Overland Park Fire Department.

What makes this station unique is that it is located on the campus of Blue Valley Southwest High School, which reflects a partnership between the Fire Department and the Blue Valley School District. In exchange for the land provided by the district, the Fire Department will help teach the new Blue Valley Fire Science program.

During the dedication ceremony, Fire Chief Bryan Dehner, Mayor Carl Gerlach, and District Superintendent Tonya Merrigan spoke about the new station and the partnership that made it possible. The public safety committee led by City Council Member Paul Lyons uncoupled a fire hose, which symbolized the opening of the station.

The new fire station will support three crews working different 24-hour shifts and shorten response times for the developing surroundings. The facility features a garage bay for fire trucks and a brush rig, a living and training space, gender-inclusive restrooms, and private bunk spaces. Transition spaces from “red zones” will provide an extra level of health and safety for fire crews in the building.

Construction of the station took place throughout 2021, and its November opening coincided with a merger between the Overland Park Fire Department and Johnson County Fire District No. 2. As a result, the new fire station will serve both southern Overland Park and parts of Johnson County east of Lackman Road.

We are thrilled to have this new facility and dedicated staff to serve vital emergency needs in the area. Check out the opkansas website for more details on this!