A new chapter in emergency response has begun in Pasco County.
New Port Richey officially opened its first two-story fire station on March 5.
It took almost four years to complete the station after the original contractor defaulted, according to ABC Action News.
The new station has 12 bunk spaces, a full kitchen and even a decontamination area where workers can remove their contaminated uniforms.
This is an effort to reduce health issues in the fire service.
The facility features a “hot, warm and cold” zone design to reduce firefighter cancer risks, according to Pasco County Fire Rescue’s Instagram.
This layout allows for decontamination before entering the living quarters, setting a new safety standard in the industry.
The station also offers a 16-member training classroom, a flex room for emergency response and an advanced alert system.
“This state-of-the-art facility is fully equipped to serve the Seven Springs community of New Port Richey,” Pasco County Fire Rescue said in a statement.
Reporter: Tatyana Purifoy