By Ruza Zivkusic
DEER Park’s 39-year-old fire station has been transformed into a state-of-the-art headquarters.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Tim Holding was there last week for the official opening and to see improvements that cost $3.2 million.
Fire bosses expect the modernisation to deliver a 40 to 50-year life span, with a maximum of energy efficiency.
Deputy Chief Fire Officer Keith Adamson said the dramatic change of the area during the past 40 years indicated that the Metropolitan Fire Brigade had to adapt to the community’s needs.
He added that the station was connected to the CommNet optic fibre network owned by MFB, which enables staff to respond to emergencies faster than before, and more effectively communicate with operational staff.
“The MFB caters to the changing nature of metropolitan Melbourne, and the new Deer Park Fire Station improves the firefighters’ ability to serve their community,” Mr Adamson said.
The station crews also co-operate with the nearby CFA, catering for three prisons and attending road traffic calls from the Western Highway.
The MFB also conducts Emergency Medical Response, which is a fundamental life-support program, including defibrillation.
