The new station became operational earlier this month, and the firefighters based there had already responded to eight calls before Tuesday's ceremony, according to San Juan County Fire Chief Craig Daugherty.

The station cost about $1.1 million and was paid for from a $7.1 million bond the County Commission approved in 2015 for new stations, replacing old engines and recruiting more firefighters. The bond was also used to renovate the Valley Fire Department Station 1 in Kirtland.

"We have seen a number of new business come into our area. We have a number of high-rise business hotels, apartment complexes, all of which call for a ladder truck should there be an incident there," Battalion Chief Anthony Fox said.

The West Florence Fire District covers a chunk of Interstate 95, S.C. 52 and also a growing residential area.

It's that reason department officials said they needed two ladder trucks versus just the aging one they currently have.

"The addition of the ladder truck will reduce response times when we have an incident that requires a ladder truck to respond," Fox said.

Its ladder extends 102 feet and includes an infrared camera. It's also equipped with a 360-degree camera system that allows the truck's driver to see Omni directional.

"It means that we are better prepared to serve you. We want to be able to provide the best possible service in the fastest possible time with the best equipment and this ladder truck is going to allow us that opportunity," Fox said.

"Based on our millage rates, we really needed the grant, to supplement the department, to compliment the area," said Chief David Cutway from Inland Township Fire Department. "Not only the township but the whole area with an apparatus that is capable of hauling that amount of water."