The storefront in Northgate Mall isn't a typical retail store. Nor is it a typical fire station. It's our way of reaching out to the kids and the public. The station has been open for about six years and is staffed by Colerain Township firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians.
Hours vary, depending on staffing, but the store is usually open seven days a week.
Community services offered by firefighters in the store include taking blood pressure and blood-sugar readings and occasionally hosting blood drives. The outpost has received national recognition, and Colerain officials have fielded calls from fire departments across the country asking about the concept. Firefighters can also respond to fire calls in the mall, and can be particularly useful in updating responding units of the situation. The idea for a mall station was hatched by a Colerain Township fire inspector who noticed an empty store in the mall and thought it would be a good place to do public education and interact with the community, Chief Bruce Smith said. Mall management embraced the idea.