New Beech Grove Fire Substation and Rayburn EMS Station Aim to Boost Response Times Across Jasper County

DIXIE COMMUNITY – A new Beech Grove Fire Department substation rising in the Dixie Community is expected to shave crucial minutes off emergency response times — and could even lower homeowners’ insurance rates for many in northern Jasper County.

Construction is in its final exterior stages, with the building expected to be sealed from the elements by late 2025 or early 2026. Once complete, the facility will house an engine, tanker, brush truck, and UTV for wildfire and search-and-rescue operations.

Beech Grove Fire Chief Jamie Gunter said the location is key.

“The Dixie Community station will put the vast majority of our district within the five-road-mile boundary insurance companies require for the lower rating,” Gunter explained. “On average, we’re looking at a 5–10 minute faster response to the northern portions of our area.”

Why it matters

Under the ISO Public Protection Classification (PPC) system, rural districts like Beech Grove often carry an 8B rating. While that already offers a discount compared to being unclassified, insurance companies typically require homeowners to be within five road miles of a fire station to apply it.

Currently, the district’s only station — located on FM 777 — doesn’t reach the northern part of the district within that boundary. The new Dixie site will close that gap, making more residents eligible for reduced premiums while improving access to emergency resources.

Part of a Bigger Emergency Services Upgrade

The Dixie substation project is being built alongside plans for a new EMS station in the Rayburn area, set to be operational by the end of 2025. Currently, EMS units based in Jasper face a 15-minute drive to the northern parts of JCESD 4, which account for nearly half the district’s EMS calls.

By placing units in Rayburn — and eventually in a new station at the intersection of US Highway 96 and FM 1005 in the Zion Hill area — officials hope to close that gap, improving response times in northern Jasper County.

Funded by Voters, Backed by Partnerships

Both builds are funded by the Sales and Use Tax approved by JCESD 4 voters in 2020. Since collections began in mid-2021, the tax has supported:

• Construction and expansion of multiple VFD stations.

• A fire training facility that has already certified 70 firefighters.

• 911 dispatch staffing and radio communications upgrades.

Partnerships with the City of Jasper, Jasper Hospital District, and Jasper County Development District have helped stretch those dollars further.

The Role of Volunteers

Gunter emphasized that new buildings and equipment are only part of the equation.

“All VFDs in Jasper County are volunteer,” he said. “These projects happen because people give their time — whether it’s answering calls, attending training, or managing these builds from start to finish.”

He encourages residents to consider joining their local department — Jasper, Lake Rayburn, Angelina River, Tri-Community, East End, or Beech Grove — or to volunteer with another community group in need.

Gunter said the new stations and equipment are only part of the equation — it’s the people who make them work.

“For without our volunteers, none of this works,” he said.