Chattanooga city officials gathered at 3250 8th Avenue in East Lake Thursday, July 18 to kick off the construction of a new fire station. The old Station 9 was constructed in 1929. Ground was broken for a larger Station 9 that will be much more energy efficient. Addressing those present, Mayor Andy Berke said building this modern fire station will make the East Lake community safer. After Fire Chief Lamar Flint and City Councilman Chris Anderson made brief remarks, it was time to take up shovels for the groundbreaking. Joining them were city council members Larry Grohn, Yusuf Hakeem, Jerry Mitchell and Ken Smith, state representative Vince Dean, representatives of the architects who drew up the plans for the new station, and several residents of the East Lake community. The project is expected to cost $1.3 million and will take roughly 180 days to complete. (David Laprad)