MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Parts of Cordova could soon be without a fire station after plans to close one were announced, less than four years after the county invested millions to build a new one.
According to the Shelby County Fire Fighters Association, Shelby County Fire Station 65 on Trinity Road in south Cordova may no longer exist this fall.
Welsey Carpenter, president of the Shelby County Firefighters Association, says this is a disservice to residents.
Carpenter says the site was intended to be temporary until a new station was built.
“We were really looking forward to having two new stations built, but now it’s the other way around and we’re doing exactly the opposite,” he said.
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris made this promise back in 2021 when he announced that the county would invest $32 million over six years in the Shelby County Fire Department.
The multimillion-dollar budget included two new fire stations – one in southeast Shelby County and the other in South Cordova.
“We’ve already invested time and money. We have the land. We’ve invested in equipment and labor. So why are we scrapping this plan now?” Carpenter asked.
Carpenter says instead of building a new station in Cordova, the county is considering abandoning that idea and closing Station 65.
“Currently, there are plans not to build this station and instead relocate personnel and equipment to stations either in Memphis or other parts of unincorporated Shelby County,” he said.
Carpenter says that station has one of the highest call volumes in unincorporated Shelby County. He says it’s unclear who would serve that area.
“We just want citizens to know what their fire service fees are being used for in terms of coverage, staffing and fire protection,” he said.
South Cordova and the Southwind area in southeastern Shelby County were separated from the city of Memphis in 2021.
“These citizens have asked to be excluded from the city limits, and now Memphis may have to provide their fire services,” he said.
We reached out to Shelby County government for comment, and a spokesperson says the plan for a new fire station in the segregated area is still on the table.
“Shelby County government is continually evaluating how best to serve all residents, including those in the Bridgewater, South Cordova and Rocky Point segregated areas. We are currently evaluating all options for fire service in the Cordova segregated areas that are cost-effective to taxpayers and provide rapid response times,” said Kelly Roberts, Strategic Communications Manager and PIO.
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