CLAYTON – The Town of Clayton is in the process of designing two new joint-use public safety facilities to improve emergency response.
According to Clayton Fire Chief David Ranes, the department responded to a record-breaking 3,500 calls last year, a number expected to rise as demand for emergency services grows. The new facilities will enhance both fire and police operations, ensuring they can meet the community’s increasing needs more effectively.
The Clayton Town Council recently identified and approved two strategic locations for the new joint-use public safety facilities. The first is an eight-acre property near West Clayton Church of God at Veterans Parkway and Short Johnson Road. The second is also an eight-acre property near Riverwood at Covered Bridge Road and Loop Road. These sites were chosen for their proximity to areas with high call volumes and extended response times.
“These are both areas where we frequently respond to emergencies, and faster response times are critical to improving outcomes,” said Ranes. “Whether it’s a cardiac arrest or a house fire, the quicker we get there, the better the outcome.”
According to Town Manager Rich Cappola, public safety remains a top priority for Clayton residents as consistently highlighted in the Town’s annual budget survey. The new joint-use facilities are expected to maximize efficiency, save taxpayer dollars, and streamline operations.
In addition to improving response times, the public safety facilities will also serve as a way to strengthen community ties, said Ranes.
“By establishing a presence in these neighborhoods, our facilities will become a meaningful part of the community,” Ranes said. “Residents will get to know our responders better, strengthening the relationships that make our Town special.”
The projects, currently in the site assessment and initial design phases, are estimated to take about three years per facility to complete. A decision has not yet been made as to whether the facilities will be built concurrently or sequentially.
