New Helipad at Southgate Celebrated with Ribbon Cutting

Tuesday, November 4, 2025, was a special day in the Southgate community of Wayne County. Community members, county officials, Southgate Volunteer Fire Department members, and members of Air Evac Life Team gathered just off Highway 13 South (Chisholm Road) to celebrate the grand opening of the new helipad.

Last year, Frank Quigley, spokesperson for the Southgate Volunteer Fire Department, addressed the Wayne County Commission on behalf of the Southgate community. He asked that to better serve the citizens of the south part of the county, the old Fairview School building be demolished to make way for a new helipad to be used for Air Evac and LifeFlight helicopters. Mr. Quigley also requested that the county donate approximately four acres of land where the old Fairview School stood to the Southgate VFD, explaining that the VFD could not get a grant to build on the property unless the property was placed in their name.

The County Commission approved the land transfer, and the rest is history. The old schoolhouse, while holding historical value, had become a safety hazard and was torn down. The new helipad was constructed at the site and is now in use when needed.

“Today we were surrounded by some of the most supportive people in this county, many whom have helped us on this journey,” said a representative from the Southgate VFD last Tuesday. “This evening marked a major milestone in our volunteer career. We appreciate each and every person who has stepped up to volunteer time, money, and/or advice. There’s no way we could have done this alone. Our goal is and always will be to improve our community and facilitate better ways to support life saving strategies. This is for YOU!”