The fire station will serve as home to crews, with a permanent station to be completed within four years on Reams Road, south of Summerlake Park Boulevard. Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings was joined by District 1 County Commissioner Betsy VanderLey and dignitaries for the ceremonial ribbon cutting. Due to rapid growth in the area, the station was implemented to address the immediate needs of the community.

The 8th Utilities District is a special taxing district that provides fire and sanitary sewer services to the northern third of town.

Fire Chief Daniel Langer said that the new Engine 1 will be posted at the department’s Station 3, which is across from BJ’s Wholesale Club on Tolland Turnpike.  

The new engine, a Saber model from Florida-based Pierce manufacturing, arrived in Connecticut at the end of March. The new Engine 1 cost $458,650. In comparison, he said, it cost the department about $680,000 to buy a custom-built engine three years ago.

Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department personnel worked closely with Pierce, the manufacturer of the new fire truck, to fit the truck to the needs of Fortuna and the Eel River Valley. It includes many modern safety upgrades and new communications equipment.  

As the new fire truck was welcomed into the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department fleet, an older truck was being retired and has been donated to Santa Rosa Junior College.