Sanford, FL – February 16, 2016 – Wharton-Smith joined with Osceola County Commissioners, Fire Chief Robert Sorenson, architect C.T. Hsu + Associates, and community members, on February 15 to break ground on the County’s new Fire Station 64.

Commissioner Brandon Arrington welcomed the crowd and applauded the efforts of everyone involved in the project for improving public safety for the citizens of Osceola County. For the past 15 years, Osceola County Fire Station 64 has operated out of a makeshift station consisting of a trailer and shed. During intense storms with high winds fire crews were forced to evacuate to a more permanent facility leaving the area’s citizens unprotected. The new four-bay fire station is designed to withstand severe weather with up to 150 mph wind speeds and will provide operations for the fire department’s administration, response units, support, and training.

“We are proud as a county to be able to provide this new home and fire station,” remarked Fire Chief Sorenson. The new 12,456-square-foot station will serve as a prototype for all future Osceola County fire stations featuring training facilities, dormitory spaces, fitness room, kitchen, storage, and a new community room for public meetings.

“Wharton-Smith is excited to be a partner with Osceola County on an important project such as Fire Station 64,” said Darin Crafton, Vice President – Commercial Division. “Helping to build communities and protect the people that live in them is an important part of why Wharton-Smith does business. We are proud to be a part of making Osceola County a safer community,” he added.

Construction on the new station is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

See more pictures of the event on our Flickr page.

Check out the  Orlando Sentinel story, you’ll see a video featuring Project Superintendent Brad Buffington sharing project details with a reporter.

On Monday, April 25, 2016, the walls of Station 64 were raised. Watch a glimpse of the construction crew tilting the walls of the future home of Osceola County Station 64 Fire Rescue team.

Osceola County – Fire Station 64 Time-Lapse Video – April 25, 2016 from Osceola County on Vimeo.