Tuscaloosa Cuts Ribbon on New Fire-Station 6 on Hargrove Road East

City leaders gathered on Hargrove Road East Thursday morning to cut the ribbon on the Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue department's new Fire Station 6.

As the Thread first reported in 2021, the former Station 6 on Loop Road was more than 50 years old, and while aesthetically delightful, it was vacated due to ongoing leaks and structural issues. The city council committed to building a new home for the district.

Four years later, the 11,500-square-foot fire station is finished at the intersection of Hargrove Road East with Loop Road.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, city councillors John Faile and Raevan Howard, and the newly named TFR Chief, Mark Delk, spoke during the Thursday morning ribbon-cutting ceremony.

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“At the crossroads of District 6, this station will serve as more than just a home for our firefighters who do an amazing job every single day,” Maddox said. “It will reaffirm to neighborhoods across this area that Tuscaloosa is going to do everything it can to ensure that every citizen in this community is safe, and when there is a crisis, that our response will be swift and effective.”

Faile, who represents District 6, is a former Tuscaloosa Police officer and said the council will always support its public safety workers.

“This station represents more than just a building,” Councilor John Faile said. “It symbolizes the commitment we have as a city to safety and preparedness.”

The three-bay station also features living space for a battalion chief and an on-site storm shelter for firefighters in the event of an emergency.

“As chair of the Public Safety Committee, it is an honor to be able to support the needs of our public safety departments,” Councilor Raevan Howard said. “I hope these new accommodations will serve Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue well as they continue to serve our community.”

The station replaces Hargrove Memorial United Methodist Church, and the city is also renovating its existing 13,000-square-foot gym building for use by TFR.

“The City of Tuscaloosa has always taken great pride in investing in public safety,” TFR Chief Delk said. "Today stands as a clear example of how this commitment continues to shape this department and Tuscaloosa for better response. Station 6 will house Engine 6 and its dedicated crew of men who will stand ready to serve and protect the citizens of Tuscaloosa. This is a truly proud moment for the history of Tuscaloosa, especially the history of Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue. We are grateful for the trust and opportunity to serve this great city.”

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