Fire Station 23 reopens

Metro Atlanta

Fire Station 23 reopens

Fire Station 23 reopens after being closed 7 months due to budget concerns.

Atlanta firefighter Jason McLain prepares to start his day Thursday. Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran and several battalion chiefs were on hand Thursday morning, July 9, 2009 in Atlanta as Fire Station 23 reopened, seven months after city officials temporarily closed the firehouse because of budgetary constraints.

Glad to be back in the house, Atlanta firefighter, Jeff Hays laughs after a remark from one of his fellow firefighters.

The station's closing was criticized by Michael Wagoner, president of the nearby Berkeley Park Neighborhood Association. "I can hire a private security company to patrol my neighborhood," he said in December. "But I cannot hire a company to put out a fire." On Thursday morning, Wagoner was one of several neighbors at the station to welcome the first shift of returning firefighters.

Firefighter Jeff Hays arrives for work Thursday morning.

Atlanta Fire Rescue Battalion Chiefs Paul Morely, Ken Hale and Section Chief Walter Parker were happy to be at the reopening.

Community members - left to right - Yolanda Adrean, Cynthia Williams, Melody Harclerode, Michael Wagoner ( with daughters Lily, 9, and Norah, 5) and Atlanta City Council Member, Clair Muller pose in front of a fire truck Thursday.

Firefighters, Jason McLain and Jeff Hays speak with Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin J. Cochran at the reopened station Thursday.

Norah Wagoner, 5, (left) held by her sister, Lily, 9, speaks with Atlanta firefighter Jeff Hays as Jacob Wojtowicz, 4, and his brother, Joshua Jr., 8, look on during a fire truck tour.

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Atlanta firefighter Jason McLain prepares to start his day Thursday. Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran and several battalion chiefs were on hand Thursday morning, July 9, 2009 in Atlanta as Fire Station 23 reopened, seven months after city officials temporarily closed the firehouse because of budgetary constraints.

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