Firefighters are settling into their new station in Carlsbad, Fox5SanDiego.com reported.

Located along El Camino Real next to the La Costa Resort, the rebuilt 10,000-square-foot Fire Station 2 is nearly three times the size of the old station, which was built in 1969 and was home to one firefighter and one engine responding to 250 calls a year, the report said.

Fire Station 2 crews were in need of an upgrade, as they now respond to 4,000 calls a year, according to the report.

The $14.4 million project was approved by voters in 2016.

The modern firehouse also includes environmentally-friendly features such as solar panels, solar water heating and electric vehicle charging stations, the report said.

During construction, crews and equipment were relocated to the nearby city library.

Sierra Vista Fire and Medical Services and the city of Sierra Vista debuted their new EMS substation 4 October 14, which the department said will provide enhanced coverage to south Sierra Vista and backup to Fort Huachuca, News.AZPM.com reported.

The new Sierra Vista Fire Station 4 has been operational since the beginning of August and currently has 24/7 coverage with an EMT, a paramedic, and is equipped with one ambulance, the report said. To date, the station has run 353 calls according to a press release from the city.

UMass Memorial Health, UMass Chan Medical School, and Polar Park Join DetecTogether to Help Firefighters Beat Cancer

WORCESTER, Mass. — On October 25, DetecTogether, a national education and advocacy organization that is saving lives by teaching people how to detect cancer early, will once again partner with Polar Park, home of the Worcester Red Sox, UMass Memorial Health, and students from UMass Chan Medical School to offer a free cancer screening for Massachusetts firefighters.

Firefighters have a 14% greater risk of dying from cancer than the general public. Two in three firefighter deaths in the U.S. each year are caused by cancer. These staggering statistics are rooted in two factors: firefighters are exposed to cancer-causing carcinogens on the job, and their cancer is frequently detected late, when it is harder to treat and less survivable.

“Firefighters need to be educated about the signs and symptoms of cancer, motivated to pay attention to their own health changes, and empowered to seek timely care, ask questions and make decisions with their physicians,” says Tricia Laursen, DetecTogether’s President & Executive Director. “This event will connect firefighters with physicians who understand their unique health care needs, and provide them with critical cancer screenings.”

DetecTogether and UMass Memorial Health came together last year to offer its first Firefighter Cancer Screening to nearly 200 firefighters. Firefighters have a 21% greater risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. UMass dermatologists performed skin exams in the DCU Club Level of Polar Park.

UMass gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons were also there for consultations about colonoscopies, a screening test for colon cancer, for which firefighters have a 21% greater risk.

Ryan Kelley, a Worcester firefighter, learned 3 Steps Detect, DetecTogether’s early cancer detection education, at his firehouse and realized he should get a scab that wouldn’t heal checked by a doctor. “I put off getting screened for two years after first noticing the wound on my temple. It was something I saw in the mirror every day. But still, like most guys, I put off doing anything about it.” Ryan then attended last year’s screening event, and subsequently had skin cancer diagnosed and removed. “I honestly believe had DetecTogether not offered a free screening, I would still have a tumor growing on my face,” says Kelley.

This year, UMass physicians will be joined by UMass Chan students, organized by fellow medical student Christopher Fay, who will help guide the firefighters through their appointments. Fay, who recently led a city-wide effort to distribute sunscreen dispensers throughout Worcester, is particularly drawn to this work after his father was diagnosed with melanoma. “I know these firefighters are someone’s loved one too, and I’m beyond grateful for this team we have here that cares deeply about our community members. This event makes a real difference. It’s crucial to spot skin cancer early when it’s easiest to cure,” Fay says.

Firefighters will be screened for skin cancer, head and neck cancers and can receive eligibility counseling for colonoscopy, free chest CT scan and free PSA blood test. Blood pressure checks will also be available.

“As someone who appreciates the heroic work firefighters do for all of us, it makes me proud to be part of this event and offer my expertise in diagnosing and treating skin cancer, especially melanoma, for these community leaders who are at increased risk for disease due to the work they do every day to keep us safe,” says UMass de

Sandy Springs (GA) residents and first responders celebrated the official opening of Fire Station 2 Thursday, MDJonline.com reported. 

Construction of the new facility started in April, but a city official said the opening was delayed due to supply chain issues, the report said. The project totaled $9 million. The new two-story station consists of approximately 21,144 square feet and replaces the prior station built in 1969. 

SSFD Station 2, the busiest station in town, contains a three-bay apparatus storage room with adjacent support areas, a decontamination shower along with state-of-the-art equipment for firefighters to remove toxins after returning from fighting a fire, equipment storage, gear wash, kitchen, conference room, offices, sleeping quarters, restrooms, fitness room, and training areas, according to the report.