After approximately six years of planning and two years of construction, La Vergne’s new Fire Department Headquarters and Fire Station 41 are now operational following their grand opening on August 20 at a location on Old Nashville Highway.

More than 100 firefighters, residents and officials and employees attended the inauguration of the city’s third fire station.

The new $10.7 million building is dedicated to Richard “Ricky” McCormick, the city of La Vergne’s first fire chief, who died in August 2018. Before McCormick, a private company provided La Vergne’s fire department.

The concept for the fire station and headquarters was developed by McCormick. After his death, the project continued under former Chief Chris Clark and then current Chief Ronny Beasley.

McCormick’s dedication plaque reads: “In recognition of his tireless dedication, leadership and commitment to the safety and well-being of our community, Chief McCormick’s service will continue to inspire and guide La Vergne firefighters for generations to come.”

Members of McCormick’s family traveled from East Tennessee to attend the ceremony.

McCormick’s youngest son, Jordan McCormick, said: “I have been waiting for this day for quite some time.”

McCormick’s second son, Tyler McCormick, is a firefighter with the La Vergne Fire Department. He is married with four children and has been a firefighter in La Vergne since he was 17 years old.

“It is an honor to be stationed at the station named after him,” Tyler said.

McCormick’s eldest son, Brandon McCormick, died in 2018.

Beasley said the new building is a 28,000-square-foot facility that serves primarily as a fire station, with the second floor housing up to 10 firefighters and the battalion chief. The first floor houses the fire department’s administrators. There is also a classroom area with seating for 120 people.

The four double-sided vehicle bays are long enough to accommodate up to six vehicles. The station currently has one pump truck assigned to it, with a second to be added next year.