Fire Station 107 opens in Lehigh, promising quicker response times to State Road 82, a crucial artery for this growing community. With the population steadily increasing, the need for more fire stations has never been more pressing. This new station, which officially opened on Thursday morning, marks a significant milestone for Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue.
The excitement was palpable as the crew at Station 107 celebrated their opening. They meticulously washed the wheels and hosed down their state-of-the-art fire truck, a symbolic gesture of pride and readiness. The community had long awaited this addition, which enhances safety and responsiveness in their area.
In an insightful moment back in February, Fire Chief Robert Dilallo guided Lehigh Acres Community Correspondent Ella Rhoades through the station’s construction site. Seven months later, their conversation shifted to the completed structure, brimming with hope for the future. “Every fire station that we open up decreases the workload on the rest of the fire stations and decreases the response times for the entire community,” Chief Dilallo noted, encapsulating the shared mission of the fire department.
Viewers can catch Ella Rhoades’ report, which highlights the importance of Fire Station 107 in this burgeoning area:
Fire Station 107 opens in Lehigh, quicker response time to SR 82
The new station, located on Leonard Boulevard, strategically positions the fire crews for a swift response. Chief Dilallo remarked, “This was a perfect location because it allows us to make it to our industrial park very quickly but also to State Road 82.” The vision behind this decision illustrates a thoughtful approach to the community’s growing needs.
The Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue District sprawls across an impressive 142 square miles—significantly larger than the 120 square miles covered by the Cape Coral Fire Department—yet it operates with just seven stations. The goal is to maintain response times under six minutes, aiming even closer to four minutes. This kind of dedication is a testament to their commitment to community safety.
Katie Heck from Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue emphasized, “With an area this big, there should really be 12 to 15 stations in the community.” She expressed optimism about the new station’s contribution: “This is such a great addition to this area… We’re reducing call times, getting out to those bad crashes on State Road 82 a lot faster, and, you know, just increasing the level of service that we provide Lehigh Acres.” Her words resonate deeply, reflecting a shared understanding that every minute counts in emergency situations.
Station 107 also introduces advanced resources like an advanced life support truck and a second ladder truck for the district, along with a rescue ambulance and brush truck. These additions signify not just growth, but also progress, underscoring Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue’s ability to adapt to the rising demands on their services. In light of the increasing number of accidents, particularly on State Road 82, the need for these enhancements becomes painfully clear.
“As we all know, the crashes are getting worse and worse,” Heck remarked. “We’re seeing speeds increase and a lot of extrication being needed, so this is just another added resource in addition to potentially getting there faster if the crash is west of Daniels.” This reflects a sobering reality for the community, revealing the circumstances that necessitate such robust emergency services.
Looking ahead, Chief Dilallo shared plans for future expansion, hinting at a potential new station near Grant and State Road 82. The decision-making process will once again hinge on analyzing call maps and population density, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and efficiently.
In a community characterized by rapid growth and change, Fire Station 107 stands as a beacon of hope and safety. It is a reminder that amidst the challenges, the resilience of Lehigh Acres Fire and Rescue shines brightly, as they commit themselves to safeguarding the lives of residents while preparing for whatever comes next.
