Orange County opens Fire Station 32 in Horizon West; officials cite roughly $12 million investment

Orange County officials on Dec. 17 marked the official opening of Fire Station 32 in Horizon West, calling it a long-term investment in public safety and firefighter wellness.

"With this vertical construction project, $6.9 million of taxpayer money has been invested in this. But when you add in the apparatus ... it's nearly $12 million," said Mayor Jerry L. Demings, who opened the ceremony by praising the department and the facility's role in serving a growing community.

John West Morland, acting deputy chief of administration for Orange County Fire Rescue, welcomed guests and introduced local leaders in attendance. Morland invited firefighter Oscar Negron to perform the national anthem and Chaplain Deltupo to deliver the invocation before the program proceeded to elected and department remarks.

"One of the conversations I have with my residents when we meet is, are we safe?" said Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson. "Well, I want you to look around right now and then go back out there and say, yes, we are safe." Wilson credited the station as a response to Horizon West's rapid growth and said she had advocated for the project while serving District 1.

Fire Chief Anthony Rios described the station as more than a building, emphasizing both operational capability and firefighter health. "As fire chief, I pledge that the men and women of this station, station 32, will go well beyond simply being responders in moments of crisis. We will weave ourselves into the very fabric of this vibrant community," Rios said. He added that the facility supports advanced EMS, water rescue and other all-hazards responses.

Officials outlined design and operational features intended to improve both community service and employee safety. County remarks said Station 32 is the fifth prototype of its kind for the department, built with measures to reduce carcinogen exposure, equipped with an on-site generator and fuel for apparatus to support extended operations, fitted with independent living quarters and modern kitchen equipment, and secured with exterior cameras and badge-entry systems. Event hosts also said the station was designed to serve the community for the next 50 years.

Event organizers invited attendees to participate in a ceremonial ribbon cutting and subsequent guided tours of the station following the program. According to remarks at the ceremony, Station 32 became fully operational on Dec. 17, 2025.

No votes or formal policy actions were taken at the ceremony; remarks focused on presentation, recognition of contributors and operational details for the new facility.

The county acknowledged contractors, procurement and project managers by name during remarks and thanked community partners, including Firehouse Subs of Flamingo Crossing and Starbucks, for event support. The opening closed with the scheduled ribbon cutting and tours for attendees.