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| Station Number #52 | Companies Assigned | |
| Council District 1 | ||
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2504 Cockrell Hill Road
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Engine 52
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Rescue 52
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Boat 52
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Booster 52 |
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updated 12/03/2008 |
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| Station #52 was built in 1964 to serve the growing Southwest corner of
Dallas. The station serves an area of approximately 12 square miles with
an estimated population of 20,000. The station is 7,740 square feet, with
a three bay apparatus room and a fallout shelter. Through the late 1970's, the station was often regarded as one of the department's "rest homes." However, in the recent years, the community has gained popularity among investors; now townhouses, condominiums, apartments and commercial occupancies fill the once abundant, large open land spaces. With the availability of housing, the population has increased and, thus, so has the number of fire/medical service calls. Today the engine averages 1,000 calls yearly, compared with approximately 300 calls annually during the late 1960's. While fire service calls during the station's early years often were grass fires, now the announcement of a house or apartment fire over the station radio is becoming commonplace. As one member jokes, "Now we know what a 'box' and 'box card' are!" Still, the most prevalent call answered by Station #52 today is to assist the MICU. By far, the most dramatic fire answered by the station was a four alarm incident at the Western Auto Store, 337 East Ledbetter Drive on March 5, 1983. Several firefighters were injured when a wall collapsed and trapped them under burning debris and rubble. Fortunately, all firefighters recovered from their injuries and returned to station duties. Station personnel also have answered memorable medical calls during their tenure. Perhaps the most spectacular occurred May 27, 1985. At 4:25 a.m., C shift answered a major accident at West Kiest Blvd. And Ravinia Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters found an automobile had struck a fire hydrant, knocking it off its stem. Water was gushing with such force that it had eroded the soil around the stem approximately 4 foot in diameter. Closer investigation revealed the vehicle's two occupants had attempted to get out and in doing so had been swept under the car by the water. One of the occupants was swept completely down the eroded section of ground, barely able to grasp part of the vehicle frame to keep above the water level. The second occupant managed to grasp the car and pull himself out. Because of the water pressure and vehicle placement, the firefighters could not get hold of the victim immediately. Towing the vehicle could have injured the trapped man. Firefighters called for two Hurst tools and lifted the car enough to gain clearance for rescue. Other action at the station include a police shoot-out on the hose rack. In 1978, a female walked into a private club across the street from Station #52 and shot several patrons, fleeing to #52 as police arrived. A confrontation developed, with the woman refusing to throw down her weapon. She began firing at the police. Officers returned fire with pistols and shotguns. To this day, there still is buckshot embedded in the concrete around the hose rack. Building Needs Red: Indicated High
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