On June 27, Wharton-Smith joined Osceola County Fire Chief Larry Collier, County Commissioner Ricky Booth, and other community members to mark the Grand Opening of Austin Tindall Fire Station 67 in Kissimmee, Florida. Instead of a ribbon cutting, firefighters opted to do a hose uncoupling ceremony, a tradition for fire stations. See pics and video.
“Station 67 is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners to expand the fire service system and better serve the public,” said Osceola County Commissioner Ricky Booth. “By investing in the infrastructure for fire rescue and EMS, we are ensuring our citizens receive quicker and more efficient responses during emergencies. Today, we send a clear message of our commitment to the community and our firefighters.”
The 12,000-square-foot, four-bay fire station was designed to withstand severe weather events, including winds up to 150 mph. The greenfield site development also includes paved parking areas and driveways, a lift station enclosure, a dumpster enclosure, a perimeter fence with a sliding gate, and all necessary site and building utilities and infrastructure. It also includes a mechanical enclosure housing a 150-kilowatt emergency generator as well as the installation of an additional underground storm system in preparation for the future widening of Boggy Creek Road.
“This is a historical moment for the county in the fact that this is the most fire stations we’ve ever had at one time,” said Osceola Fire Chief Larry Collier. Wharton-Smith team members helped to build three of the 17 Osceola County Fire Stations currently in operation.
Congratulations to the project team!
