The driver of the SUV jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot. Hultquist said that as of 2:30 p.m., California Highway Patrol officials had not yet found the driver.

The paramedic in the passenger seat was flown to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, while the EMT who was driving the ambulance was transported by the AMR supervisor with minor injuries, Hultquist said.

They have retired their mini pumper and now have two engines including the new one.

"With two engines pumping 1,250 gallons a minute each, that should meet the need in the growing community. It's just awesome because we now have 42 members, and need to be able to move them all."

The fire chief added they continue to move forward with plans to construct a second fire hall in the area.

Officials say the Town of Huntersville have declined to continue funding the North Mecklenburg Rescue Squad.

In a meeting with town officials, Town Manager Greg Ferguson announced that the closure was made to "align public safety leadership," according to the press release. North Mecklenburg Rescue Squad has an annual operating budget of $447,000. Of that budget, $374,000 were received from the Town of Huntersville, said the press release.

The old station on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard was built in the 1950s and the design limited some of the more advanced capabilities available today. One of the biggest improvements to the new fire station is the enhanced technology, Bowen said. They're going from chalkboards to Smart boards, and from spotty connection to a strong WiFi connection throughout the building.