To show appreciation for the outpouring of help and donations after a tornado devastated their headquarters, the Jackson fire and police departments are inviting the public to an open house Thursday afternoon at the emergency complex.

A tornado ripped apart the building May 6 at the corner of Hope Street and Jackson Boulevard. The roof was shredded and windows were shattered by high winds and debris.

But the station was rebuilt and both departments have been back in house since August. Now the city wants residents to see all of the improvements. The open house begins at 2 p.m. and lasts until 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Mayor Paul Sander hopes residents will take the time to step inside.

"All of the council and myself will be there for the 2 p.m. rededication ceremony," Sander said. "The building was pretty much destroyed by the tornado, but we've come a long way since then and we want the public to be as proud of this facility as we are and with what has been done to upgrade it, even from what we started with."

The construction and remodeling took three months, about half the time many expected.

"I think Jackson showed that when we had our misfortune in May, we can quickly rebound from that kind of disaster," Sander said.

Water severely damaged the interior, destroying walls, ceilings, carpets and wiring.

"This whole bay was just flooded with water," said firefighter Robbie Greif inside the large garage portion of the building. "It was literally raining inside as hard as it was outside."

Several emergency vehicles and trailers in the parking lot were overturned or demolished. Fortunately, the fire trucks that were parked inside were left without a scratch.

But the backup generator, ceiling mounted heaters for the fire trucks and three front bay doors had to be replaced, along with sliding tracks and motors.

During the $350,000 renovation, the city made a few changes to the complex. Workers replaced recessed lighting with flat panels to make the hallways brighter, expanded the firefighter bunk rooms and installed a shower and small laundry room. New drywall partitions created additional office space and interview rooms in the police department.

The city's insurance policy, which had a $1,000 deductible, covered the renovation expenses.

Donated furniture

Bank of America in Cape Girardeau donated several large pieces of used office furniture to the police department. The dark, executive-style wooden desks, chairs and cabinets complement the fresh cream-colored walls, navy blue trim and carpets.

"We'd like people to come and see it and to get to know their police department," said police Lt. Rodney Barnes. "The open house should be a good time for everybody."

The mayor said he hopes city's residents feel a sense of pride in what has been done with the complex.

"It's their building, it's a public building and they're always welcome to come see it, but sometimes people are hesitant to do that," Sander said.

During the first two months after the storm, police occupied unused space at the sheriff's department while the complex was being rebuilt. Firefighters converted the training room at their administration building next door into a temporary sleeping quarters.

"It was tough making the move and the transition over there," Greif said. "We were all cramped up in there together with five people spending 24 hours together in the same room."

The move home for police officers began in early August. The fire department waited an additional week for phone service to be completed on their side of the complex before returning, Greif said.

"Getting back in, we took our time and made the station better than it was, as far as organization," he said. "I think the city will be really proud of the building. We're proud of it -- to us it's home."

mwells@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160