By Ryan Duey

Riley County Fire District #1 (RCFD#1) is pleased to announce the completion of the new Ashland Bottoms Volunteer Fire Station #102, which will be celebrated with a dedication ceremony on Friday morning, July 19, at 8:00 a.m. The ceremony will take place at the new station located at 4928 McDowell Creek Road, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Event Details:

· Date: Friday, July 19

· Time: 8:00 a.m.

· Location: 4928 McDowell Creek Road, Manhattan, KS 66502

Designed by Anderson Knight Architects, LLC of Manhattan, and built by Riley Construction Company of Wamego, the new facility represents a significant advancement in the district’s ability to provide fire protection and emergency response services to the southern portion of Riley County. Construction began in February of 2024. The contract with Riley Construction totaled $199,200 and was paid for with existing Fire District Project Funds, meaning the district did not have to take on debt to finance the project. In addition, a pumper/tanker that carries 3,000 gallons will be reassigned to the new station, and they will now have access to vehicle extrication equipment. The July 19th dedication ceremony will include speeches from key officials and a ribbon cutting. The pumper/tanker will be on display. “The new station is an important addition to our district. Its larger facilities and more advanced equipment will enhance our response capabilities in the southern part of the county, including along the I-70 corridor,” said Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Russel Stukey. The need for a new station arose from the limitations of the old facility at 2881 W. 32nd Ave. That facility was built in the 1960s and became too small to accommodate modern firefighting equipment and trucks.

The new station and equipment will also provide opportunities for additional training for its six assigned members, led by volunteer Battalion Chief Patrick O’Neal. This will ensure that volunteers are well-equipped and prepared to handle a greater variety of calls, making the station more accessible and more frequently utilized. “This new station shows how much we care about our community. With better access and additional tools, we can respond more effectively to emergencies. Our volunteer firefighters do a fantastic job. They save taxpayers millions and make it possible to provide emergency response to the rural parts of the county,” said Deputy Fire Chief Doug Russell.