The Osceola County Board of County Commissioners, Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS, community leaders and project partners gathered this morning for a traditional fire service “uncoupling” ceremony to officially welcome Station 43’s brand-new facility into service in Campbell City.
The new facility, located on Whispering Pines Boulevard, is the newest home for a station that has been a cornerstone of Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS for decades. Originally home to the Campbell City Volunteer Fire Department, the station 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. Initially located in the Good Samaritan area, the station moved to its most recent facility on Broad Street where its engine company was fully integrated with OSCFR as the department transitioned away from the volunteer system.
“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.”
Station 43 currently serves as the home for Squad 43, one of OSCFR’s multi-disciplinary Special Operations units, and Rescue 43, an emergency medical services (EMS) transport unit. A water tender and wildland firefighting apparatus – Tanker 43 and Brush 43 – are also housed at the station for as-needed use by Squad 43 and Rescue 43’s personnel.
“Our mission in building new fire stations is two-fold,” said County Manager Don Fisher. “Our brand-new stations that expand services work in concert with rebuilding projects like Station 43’s new facility to build a resilient, sustainable public safety infrastructure throughout Osceola County.”
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 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.”
County Commissioners and department leaders were joined by project partners Wharton-Smith and BRPH Architects for the station’s uncoupling ceremony.
