Excerpts from WREX.com:

This weekend residents got the chance to tour the Rockford Fire Departments new station on the city’s southwest side. Firefighters say the hope behind the move is quicker response times. It’s been nearly 30 years since the department built one from the ground up.

“Over the past couple of years we’ve done an in-depth analysis and this is one area that needed a better response,” said Rockford Fire Chief Derek Bergsten. “Further south and west of the city.”

Station #3 is currently located in a commercial area on South Main Street. But the widening of that road took away needed space for firefighters and their equipment. It was difficult for fire trucks to maneuver in and out of the building.

The station, now located in a residential area, gives community members a better sense of safety.

Station #3 hopes to be moved into the new facility in two and a half weeks.