Grand Junction Unveils Helipad to Improve Emergency Access for Residents {video}
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held by the City of Grand Junction, Tennessee for its new helipad, which is located at City Park. The rural City of Grand Junction located in the southwest part of Hardeman County now has a helipad, which will enable its citizens to receive more immediate care when time sensitive transportation is necessary.
“This is something we’ve been talking about for several years, but here recently, the need was definitely here. This is something that commissioner [Joseph] Jenkins and I had also talked about. Well, when I discussed it with the board, we figured now is the time to do this,” said Grand Junction Mayor Curtis Lane.
The City of Grand Junction has been going through a period of rebuilding ever since the devastating April storms, which ripped through the area. Although no lives were lost during that event, it became more evident the vulnerability of the area and the need for options, other than an ambulance, to hospital care during medical emergency situations. Since being built, the helipad has already been used twice.
Once the decision was made, Tommy Thompson of Thompson Electric Company, was selected to complete the job. The business has experience building helipads and completed the project in two weeks. While it adhered to needed specifications, the helipad was built slightly bigger than required.
“You should be able to land a Blackhawk on that one and have room left over,” said Mr. Thompson, who enjoyed being able to help the community.
The helipad includes four green lights and a border, which pilots use as a guide for landing at night and there are aerial marker balls noting where power lines are located. A concrete path from the parking lot to the helipad was also added, so loading and unloading from a gurney would not require having to roll through the grass.
Grand Junction Helipad Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Photo Gallery
Click arrow/swipe screen to see the slideshow.
“So, a lot of forethought went into this in a two-week period of time. Both of the people representing the Wing said that this is exactly what they wanted,” said Mayor Lane.
A permanent plaque of gratitude to Mayor Lane was unveiled and stands at the edge of the walkway to the helipad. Mayor Lane humbly accepted the honor, but was quick to note he accepted on behalf of the town and board.
“I rely on the alderman, because of the way we work. We all try to pull together,” said Mayor Lane.
Mayor Lane also thanked Carrie Marcum, Hardeman County 911 Director and the dispatchers.
“I am so thankful for the lives this can help save. It is a wonderful day for Grand Junction and for Hardeman County,” said Hardeman County Mayor Todd Pulse. “I appreciate Mayor Lane and his leadership and everything he has done for this city for all these years.”
“This is an excellent thing [for Grand Junction]. I just want to thank you for your good, strong leadership,” said Commissioner Jenkins.
Grand Junction is now one of four locations across the county with helipads. There is one in Bolivar at the hospital, one at Grand Valley Lakes, and Middleton opened its helipad in October 2024.
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