By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Police and fire leadership, city officials, and community members gathered Wednesday, July 8, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Southside Public Safety Complex, a facility where both agencies will operate under the same roof.
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The complex, funded in part by Proposition 101 — a half-cent sales tax Tucson voters approved in 2017 to promote safer streets and neighborhoods — replaces Fire Station 10 and the South Police Substation.
Tucson Police Chief Monica Prieto said the opening marks a significant moment for the department.
“The last time the Tucson Police Department celebrated the opening of a new police substation was in 2007, nearly two decades ago,” Prieto said. “For many of us this is a once in a career milestone.”
Officers and firefighters will now share the building, a gym, and training rooms. Ward 5, where the complex is located, is one of Tucson’s densest areas and sees high call volume from both agencies.
Tucson Fire Chief Sharon McDonough said the co-location is aimed at closing the gap between current and national response time standards.
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“We would like to meet the national standard which is five minutes and 20 seconds,” McDonough said. “We are currently hitting at about nine minutes… Those critical minutes mean the difference on whether we save your home or we save your life.”
While the two departments have separate functions, officials said the shared facility is expected to help them build relationships and operate as one team when responding to emergencies. First responders said if the model works on the Southside, it could serve as a blueprint for similar facilities across Tucson.
The complex is expected to officially open to the public next week.
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