Fire Chief

Historic Ky. Station Closes

Louisville, Ky.'s, Engine Co. 7 fire station has been closed down due to Mayor Jerry Abramson’ budget cuts to balance a $20 million shortfall.

Louisville, Ky.'s, Engine Co. 7 fire station has been closed down due to budget cuts to balance a $20 million shortfall. Opened in 1871, the station has stood since before the first Kentucky Derby and even before one Louisville Slugger baseball bat was signed, according to WLKY.

"This is a tragedy," said Local 345 firehouse vice president James Wilkens. "Due to Mayor Jerry Abramson's budget cuts, after three centuries of continuous service, Engine Co. Engine 7 will close it's doors forever. You're going to close the oldest working firehouse in the United States. It's been around for years and years. [It'??s] still making runs to many high rises. As you can see, the neighbors are supporting the issue of keeping the firehouse open?."

A lawsuit has been filed to keep the station open on the argument that closing it down would endanger public safety.

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