Paris Fire Station #1 Groundbreaking: A Historic Moment

Building Today, Shaping Tomorrow

Today, the City of Paris marked a historic moment as community members, retired firefighters, city leaders, and project partners gathered to break ground on the new Paris Fire Station #1 at 1555 Tyson Avenue.

Honoring the Past, Building for the Future

Since 1960, the current Fire Station #1 has faithfully served Paris. Built for a much smaller community and a department of only 12 firefighters, the aging building now struggles to meet the needs of a modern fire service.

Today, the Paris Fire Department operates with 24 firefighters, six apparatus, and expanded responsibilities ranging from structure fires and rescues to hazardous materials response and mutual aid across Henry County. The new station will offer the space, safety, and resources required to support these growing demands.

Group of community members, retired firefighters, and city leaders posing for a groundbreaking ceremony with shovels in front of a mound of earth, celebrating the construction of the new Paris Fire Station #1.

Three firefighters in uniforms stand together at a groundbreaking ceremony, holding shovels. In the background, a water tower and a partial view of a field are visible.

A Meaningful Community Moment

Despite the frigid temperatures, a large crowd showed up to witness the start of this long-awaited project. Retired Fire Chiefs Don Cox and Michael Williams Sr. joined firefighters past and present, making the moment especially meaningful.

Speakers included:

Mayor Kathy Ray

City Manager, Kim Foster

USDA Rural Development State Director for Tennessee, Patrick Jaynes

Henry County 911 Board Chairman, John Etheridge

Fire Chief Jamie Hinson

Each emphasized the importance of investing in public safety and preparing Paris for future growth. Chief Hinson captured the spirit of the day, saying:
“This station represents more than bricks and mortar… this is an investment in the people who live in this community.”

A group of people seated in chairs watching a speaker in front of a fire vehicle and a presentation about the new Paris Fire Station #1 at a groundbreaking event.

A gathering of community members and firefighters standing in a field, facing a rural landscape with trees in the background, during a ground-breaking ceremony.

What’s Ahead

Construction will begin soon, with completion estimated within the next 12–18 months. The new Fire Station #1 will include:

Six drive-through bays, a dedicated training tower, modern exhaust and safety systems, workout and common areas, a safe surrender baby box, a display room for the vintage fire engine, a radio tower, and a backup dispatch center.

Rendering of the new Paris Fire Station #1, showcasing a modern brick building with large windows, an American flag, and well-maintained landscaping, set against a partly cloudy sky.

Thank You, Paris

The City of Paris extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended today’s ceremony. Having so many retirees, former fire chiefs, and longtime firefighters present made this day truly special.

We look forward to keeping the community updated throughout construction as we continue building today and shaping tomorrow.