Lindon happy to have police, fire station

LINDON — With a bright red firetruck and shiny new police cars cruising through Lindon, residents said they're beginning to feel like their little city is finally growing up.

"We're excited to see a firetruck based in the city," said Tresa Hamson, who came with her husband, David, and four children to the Lindon Fire Station open house Tuesday night. Tuesday was also the first day that Lindon's new police force began patrolling the streets.

Living just three blocks away from the new fire station, the Hamsons hope to never need fire services, but appreciate the benefit it brings to the area.

"It makes a difference in insurance," David Hamson said. "Several companies wouldn't insure the house because (a fire station) was so far away. Now the trucks are in the city."

The open house was a chance for Lindon residents to meet the Orem employees, get free hot dogs and chips, and scope out the renovated fire station and equipment.

Ryker Adamson, 6, tried on an Orem fireman's pants, boots and jacket, nearly drowning in the heavy, fire-retardant gear.

His dad, Dustin, snapped pictures with his cell-phone camera.

"I guess for me, it's a faster response time," Dustin Adamson said when asked about the benefits of the new station. His family lives in east Lindon, near the mountains on Canal Drive, where lightning strikes are common, he said.

"Plus, it's just the comfort factor," he said. "It complements Lindon City. (We have) police and now the fire department. It's a sign of the times, Lindon's growing."

Although the station is in Lindon, the fire and emergency medical services are being provided by Orem officers — a change from Pleasant Grove services, which had been in place for nearly 25 years.

The decision to switch was a tough one and involved many emotional city council meetings and discussions. But in the end, it came down to quicker response times and what was best for the growing city.

"We're so excited," said Lindon Police Chief Cody Cullimore. "It's gonna be a good partnership."

Cullimore said they will evaluate the $1.2 million partnership with Orem at the end of this year, at the end of three years, then every five years for 25 years.

"Orem looks at it as a tremendous partnership," said Orem Fire Chief Scott Gurney. "It's a win-win type of situation."