The $13.8 million, 12,700 square-foot Osceola County Fire Rescue Station 43 features ample space for personnel to live, work, and train. (Photo/Osceola County)
Osceola County Fire Rescue Station 43 has been a mainstay near Campbell City for decades. Now it has a brand-new station at the corner of Whispering Pines Boulevard South Orange Blossom Trail to house a rescue unit that helps keep the area’s growing population safe.
County Commissioners, Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS, community leaders and project partners gathered Thursday to officially open it and bring it into service with a traditional “uncoupling” ceremony.
The Campbell City Volunteer Fire Department has been housed in a number of area locations, which became one of OSCFR’s first service delivery areas when the department formed in 1989 with the addition of a paid EMS rescue to supplement the volunteer engine company, which was eventually integrated with OSCFR.
The new station will house multiple units: Squad 43, one of OSCFR’s multi-disciplinary Special Operations units, Rescue 43, an emergency medical services (EMS) transport unit, and a water tender tanker and wildland firefighting brush apparatus for as-needed use by Squad 43 and Rescue 43’s personnel.
“The evolution of Station 43 in many ways mimics the growth of our department, evolving from a volunteer fire company to a 24/7/365 Fire Rescue and EMS facility with expanded capabilities for multi-discipline special operations response,” said Fire Chief Larry Collier. “In their new home, Station 43 is effectively positioned to continue its tradition of service while effectively meeting the modern mission of our department.”
The $13.8 million, 12,700 square-foot facility features ample space for personnel to live, work, and train. The station’s four apparatus bays provide housing for current apparatus, with room for additional units based on future needs, the county said.
“Station 43 is an institution here in Campbell City, proudly keeping this community safe for decades,” said Board of County Commissioners Chairman and District 3 Commissioner Brandon Arrington. “With this brand-new facility, we renew and strengthen the commitment to public safety that this station and its dedicated personnel represent for many years to come.”
