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RFP out for construction of new fire station
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Posted on May 11 2000
The Department of Public Safety has issued a request for proposal for the construction of a new fire station building which will pave the way for the transfer of Fire Station 1 beside the Motor Vehicle Office.
According to Herman Sablan, Fire Division director, the proposed building will be equipped with proper facilities such as kitchen, sleeping quarters, dispatcher’s room and enough space to house the expensive vehicles and equipment. Ambulance and fire truck costs over $100,000 each. The Division of Corrections will takeover the space currently being occupied by Fire Station 1.
Construction of Fire Station I will be funded by federal and local money. Mr. Sablan said one of the biggest considerations in transferring to another fire station is the water source for the fire truck which must be refilled anytime.
Amid budgetary constraints, the Fire Division needs replacement for the current fleet of ambulance and fire trucks which at times have become unreliable.
The division is targeting to acquire one ambulance and one fire truck every year. Currently, Fire Station 1 has no backup ambulance for its 24-hour service.
Of the five ambulance owned by the division, only two are new. Saipan has four fire trucks — three pumpers containing 750 gallons each and one 1989 model water tanker. The fire trucks, some of which are already 10 to 15 years old should be replaced as maintenance alone eats up a huge amount of money.
The plan to establish a fire station in Kagman and Marpi would be funded under the Capital Improvement Project. Again, the operation of the fire stations will mean financial problem for DPS since this would need additional personnel to man the two new fire stations. (LFR)
