The Key West Fire Department held its official grand opening of the gorgeous new Station #2 on Simonton Street today, cutting a ceremonial ribbon with close to 100 members of the community and dignitaries from around the state in the audience. Following the ceremony, the public toured the new facility and saw first-hand why it received a preservation award upon its completion by the Historic Florida Keys Foundation. That award goes to preservation of structures as well as to those in historic districts that maintain the historic integrity of the neighborhood.

“I would like to thank the architects Michael Ingram and Anthony Sarno of K2M Design and the Contractor DL Porter for this building’s beautiful design and construction,” said Mayor Craig Cates. “This stand-alone fire station with the parking lot and green space fits perfectly into the neighborhood as it adds to the beauty of Key West while improving our quality of life.”

The new station replaces the defunct building that was erected in 1963 adjacent to the former City Hall. Key West Fire Chief David Fraga noted that the new station has been a long time coming.

“It took an extraordinary team effort from countless individuals to pull this together. Not just to build it, but to get it funded and get us in it,” he said. “Anyone who was involved with this project will attest to the fact that not only was it very much needed, but it was incredibly long overdue.”

City Commissioner and former Fire Chief Billy Wardlow agreed.

“This is a very exciting day for me; I’ve waited a long time,” he said. “It’s been 19 years since we first started when Commissioner Jeremy Anthony brought it to our attention that we needed a new fire station.”

Chief Fraga recalled his comment at the groundbreaking of the new station, saying that it would give the firefighters a much-needed new home.

“As always,” he said, “we are committed to continue with our tradition and devotion to duty with the grand opening and dedication of this new building. May it always be a symbol of assurance and safety to the community. And may it always provide the firefighters who live and work here with respite and sanctuary as we continue the non-stop mission of ‘Serving the Southernmost City.’”