Kansas and Missouri

[MFD76]

Paola, Kansas Volunteer Fire Department

 

For many years the Paola fire department operated out of the turn of the century city hall complex. Engine 1, Engine 2, and Engine 5 were stored at City Hall with all other units stored across the street in a metal building. During 2009 a sales tax was passed for the construction of a new two story fire house. During this time the Paola USD School District was constructing a new high school. With multiple delays in land purchase process. The Fire Department decided to purchase and renovate the old Paola High School. In the photo below the original building was torn down leaving the 1950 addition and gym. The fire department had one new bay constructed for a future tower ladder. In January of 2010 the Paola Fire Department moved into their new two story fire house. This renovation won the Fire Chief Fire House design award.

 



 

New Drill Tower added to front of the building with future tower ladder bay. All new doors were cut into the building to create the apparatus room. The second floor above the bays were converted to living quarters. Note the stucco finish were the original build connected. 

 



 

New main entrance where old original building was connected. 

 



 

Main entryway with main stair case.

 



 

Second floor hallway. The building is often used for meetings and the gym is still used for actives. The second floor hallway keeps traffic out of the living quarters. All doors to the living quarters are pass carded. 

 



 

A portion of the high school lockers were kept. 



 

The gym looking from the second floor. Note the fire department logo in the wood floor. They have build an elaborate training center under the bleachers and in the basement replicating a residential house and apartments. 

 



 

Second Floor Training Room

 



 

Fire Pole Second Floor Training Room pass carded. 

 







 

Kitchen and Dayroom combo just to the side of the training room.

 



 

Red door leads to the weight room. Hallway leads to bunk room and fire pole. 

 



 

Permeant Weight room

 



 

Locker room/ Bathroom

 



 

Future open stye dormitory bunk room, currently auxiliary weight room. 

 



 

Fire Pole at the end of the future bunk room. Easy access from day room, locker room, and weight room. 

 









 

Glass Windows are the watchman's booth.