Doña Ana County officials and state legislators were on hand Dec. 19 for the groundbreaking for a new fire station north of Anthony, New Mexico, Doña Ana County said in a news release.
“Fire Station No. 2 is part of a growing network of fire and emergency services strategically located within the county’s vast geographical area,” the county said. “The station will accommodate 12 full-time firefighters and currently nine volunteer firefighters. There are already nine full-time firefighters in Chaparral and nine in Santa Teresa.”
Plans to expand and construct a new fire station have been in the works for two years, the county said. The new station will cost $5.5 million, paid from the county’s Fire Tax fund. Additional financial support was provided by state Sen. Carrie Hamblen, D-Doña Ana, in the amount of $300,000, with an additional $100,000 coming from state Rep. Doreen Gallegos, D-Doña Ana. to furnish and equip the new station.
"As county commissioner for this area, I recognize how significant this new station will be as a hub of operations in the southern part of the county," said Diana Murillo, who also is the mayor of Anthony. "In addition to expanding our network of fire services, we now can increase our capacity to bring emergency medical services to our community. Building a strong network of fire stations with cross-trained personnel increases our ability to respond and deliver care while performing rescues and fighting fires."
"This new station will not only expand our ability to offer fire and emergency services across the county, but it also provides a much-needed large space for training," said County Fire Chief Shannon Cherry. "We will now have 12,000 square feet which will house full-time firefighter personnel who will be available to assist with fires, offer medical services and support other regional emergency response."
The new fire station will serve all of southern Doña Ana County, the county said, and is slated to be fully operational in 12 months.
Studio D. Architects is the lead architect for the project. ESA Construction, Inc. is the general contractor.
Watch video of the groundbreaking at www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wpa9yzpy2A.
