Albuquerque Fire Department engines and ladder trucks have been equipped with the cameras, which convert heat radiation of objects and people into a visible image and allow firefighters to see through smoke and walls, for many years. Chief Paul Dow said firefighters use the cameras for a variety of applications, including fire alarm investigations, building exterior size-up or evaluation of the structure during an operation and victim rescue.

Deputy Fire Chief John Burke was proud that the renovation came in at $600,000, while the stations’ new septic system cost another $500,000. There are now separate sleeping and showering facilities for men and women, features that were not available at the Sandwich Village station next to police headquarters.  

The new station also includes a new backup generator that can power the entire building, as well as new air conditioning and heating units and a kitchen with stainless steel appliances. But, as Deputy Chief Burke said, there’s nothing ostentatious.

Officials cut a red ribbon on the front entrance of the station, located at 398 W. County Road 700 North, before offering tours of the expanded station and then using a firehose during a wetting ceremony to spray the new ambulance, which was designed by the department’s paramedics. The renovation, said Chief Bill Lundy, essentially doubled the lounge and kitchen area at the station, as well as adding three bunkrooms, remodeled offices, additional storage and other amenities. The Portage Township Trustee’s Office used a $1 million bond issue to pay for the work.

The station came after a 2015 study identified a gap in coverage for residents in an area of east Orange County that's seen a population boom in recent years.

 

According to county leaders, response times will be significantly improved due to the new fire station, especially for residents living in the immediate area. The fire station is part of the county's "INVEST in our Home for Life" initiative. Through bond financing of excess sales tax revenue, $30 million has been allocated for fire rescue infrastructure, which includes three new fire stations.