LOUISVILLE, Ky. --
Firefighters and community members said goodbye to a historic Louisville fire station Sunday night.
As one of the firemen put it, Engine 7 has been at Sixth and York streets since before the first Kentucky Derby and even before one Louisville Slugger baseball bat was sign.
"Attention all companies, attention all companies. There will be no knockouts as for Engine 7 today," Local 345 firehouse vice-president James Wilkens said.
The group played taps at 8 a.m. for the firehouse, which was the oldest working fire station in the nation.
"It opened it's doors in 1871 and protected the people of this city through the Great Depression, world wars and the great floods," Wilkens said.
"This is a tragedy. You're going to close the oldest working firehouse in the United States. It's been around for years and years. [Its] still making runs to many high rises. As you can see, the neighbors are supporting the issue of keeping the firehouse open, Wilkens said.
For months, many of the 16,000 residents served by the station have voiced their disapproval of the plan to close the station.
Now that the station is closed, they said that their lives are at risk because of the budget cuts made to balance a $20 million shortfall.
"Due to Mayor Jerry Abramson's budget cuts, after three centuries of continuous service, Engine Company Engine 7 will close it's doors forever, Wilkens said.
But that may not be the end of the story because of a lawsuit thats still pending. The result of that case could keep the firehouse open.
Judge McKay Chaubin is expected to hear a motion for an injunction to keep the station open on Monday.
But until then, the firefighters of Engine 7 are gathering their gear to leave.
"Engine 7, you may be gone, but the gallant, unyielding service of your brave members and firehouse will not be forgotten. God speed Engine 7," Wilkens said.
Supporters hope the injunction will compel metro government to keep the fire station open on the basis of public safety and to protect lives and property within the service area.
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