The St. Cloud Fire Rescue Department held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday morning to mark the official start of construction for the new Fire Station 32, a major $12.5 million investment aimed at enhancing public safety and meeting the demands of a rapidly growing community.
Mayor Chris Robertson, city officials, and fire department leadership gathered at the site on Old Canoe Creek Road near Clay Whaley Road to celebrate the milestone. The new station replaces the existing 30-year-old facility at the same location and is strategically positioned near the current and future interchanges of Florida’s Turnpike, allowing for improved emergency response coverage to nearby residential developments.
“This new facility will help to meet the needs of our growing community,” said Mayor Chris Robertson. “With the recent opening of new Station 34 and improvements to the Fire Training Facility, as well as future planned stations, this shows the City Council’s dedication to supporting public safety.”
Once completed, Station 32 will house an engine, a rescue unit, and the department’s new tower truck. The station will be initially staffed by 10 firefighter/EMS professionals. Designed with four apparatus bays, the facility also includes space for future personnel as demand for emergency services continues to rise.
“I began my career as a firefighter at the old Station 32,” said Fire Chief Jason Miller. “Seeing the progress we have made to improve this facility to be a better home for the current generation of firefighters and of course for providing improved service to residents, is just amazing.”
The project is expected to be completed within 14 months. Once operational, the new station will play a vital role in expanding the city’s emergency response capabilities, especially for the thousands of new residents expected in the fast-growing area west of the Turnpike.
