After so many years of putting up with a 20-year-old building, says firefighter-EMT Robert Sumner, it's only fair that he get to serve at the new fire station in Brooks.

The state-of-the-art building incorporates "the best ideas" on current cfonstruction of fire stations, according to Tom Bartlett, deputy chief for operations for the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services. The 5,900-square-foot building is nearly double the size of the old Brooks station, built in 1978, "and has only one floor, which has been determined to be safer and more convenient for quick responses," Bartlett added.

The new station's official dedication is set for Saturday Dec. 12, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The station is located at 903 Highway 85 Connector, about a half-mile west of the railroad tracks in Brooks.

While the total building cost has not yet been tabulated, Bartlett said, it's estimated at about $640,000. The town of Brooks donated the two-acre tract for the station, which will cover the town and surrounding areas. Bartlett said that the building also will house a satellite office for the Fayette County Sheriff's Department. Better security and more comfortable staff accomodations are two big pluses for the station, he said.