The Omaha Fire Department broke ground last Friday on the new Station 31 near 33rd and Q streets set to replace the current building at 25th and L streets.

Omaha Fire Chief Dan Olsen announced that an application to commemoratively name the new Fire Station 31 in the honor of Dr. Joseph Stothert has been submitted for consideration

“Having served as the Omaha Fire Department’s medical director for nearly 20 years, and as a medical director for Eppley Airfield, Douglas County 911 and Metro Community College, Dr. Stothert worked to enhance the model by which the OFD and regional EMS personnel operate under today,” Olsen said.

Stothert, a surgeon at the University of Nebraska Medical Center who also previously was the medical director for the Millard fire department, died by suicide last month. He was the husband of Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert.

“Joe’s contribution to the development of basic and advanced life-support protocols in the state of Nebraska and city of Omaha and surrounding regions has and will continue to save countless lives,” Olsen said. “There is no doubt that Dr. Stothert’s influence has influenced the Omaha Fire Department’s ability to provide quality care to the many thousands of patients we’re called to serve each year.”

The mayor thanked Olsen and other city leaders before commenting on the proposed name of the new station. “My husband Joe dedicated his career to public safety, emergency medicine, training and service to others,” she said Friday. “It would be a great honor to recognize his service by naming Station 31 for him.”

The new building will replace what is currently the department’s oldest station, which was constructed in 1947.

“This is an important day for the Omaha Fire Department and the South Omaha community,” Jean Stothert said. “It is another example of our significant and ongoing commitment to the safety of all of our citizens.”

The new digs will include modern amenities, including large bays, a sizeable driveway, specialized washing machines to remove carcinogens from personal protective equipment, and individual sleeping quarters for crews.

“The current Station 31 has housed many generations of firefighters that have served the great community of South Omaha for the past 75 years,” Olsen said.

The new building is expected to open approximately a year from now in spring 2022.