Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS, Osceola Chairman and District 3 Commissioner Brandon Arrington, and community partners gathered on Thursday to officially welcome a brand-new home for Fire Station 43 during a traditional fire service “uncoupling” ceremony in Campbell City.
The new facility, located on Whispering Pines Boulevard, replaces the station’s former home on Broad Street and marks a significant investment in public safety for the Campbell City community in Osceola County. The station has long served as a cornerstone of emergency response in the area, with roots dating back to its early days as the Campbell City Volunteer Fire Department.
“Station 43 is an institution here in Campbell City, proudly keeping this community safe for decades,” said Brandon Arrington, Chairman of the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners and District 3 Commissioner. “With this brand-new facility, we renew and strengthen the commitment to public safety that this station and its dedicated personnel represent for many years to come.”
Osceola County Fire Rescue & EMS was formally established in 1989, when paid EMS services were added to support volunteer fire operations. Over time, Station 43 evolved alongside the department, transitioning fully into the countywide fire rescue system and expanding its capabilities to meet the needs of a growing community.
Station 43 currently houses Rescue 43, an emergency medical services transport unit, along with Squad 43, one of the department’s multi-disciplinary Special Operations teams. The station also supports specialized apparatus, including Tanker 43 and Brush 43, which are deployed as needed for water supply and wildland firefighting operations.
“Our mission in building new fire stations is two-fold,” said Don Fisher, Osceola County Manager. “New stations that expand services work hand-in-hand with rebuilding projects like Station 43 to create a resilient and sustainable public safety infrastructure throughout Osceola County.”
The $13.8 million facility spans approximately 12,700 square feet and was designed to support modern fire rescue operations. It features living, training, and work spaces for personnel, along with four apparatus bays that accommodate current vehicles and allow room for future expansion as service demands grow.
Fire Chief Larry Collier said the new station reflects the department’s growth and long-term vision.
“The evolution of Station 43 mirrors the evolution of our department,” Collier said. “It has grown from a volunteer fire company into a 24/7/365 Fire Rescue and EMS facility with expanded capabilities for special operations. This new home positions Station 43 to continue its proud tradition of service while meeting the modern mission of our department.”
County commissioners and department leadership were joined at the ceremony by project partners Wharton-Smith and BRPH Architects, who helped bring the project to completion.
With the opening of the new Station 43, Osceola County continues its commitment to enhancing emergency response capabilities and ensuring residents in Campbell City and surrounding areas are protected by modern, well-equipped facilities—making a positive difference in and around Osceola County.
