Ceremony Set for Coachella Fire Station Expansion

Coachella to host groundbreaking ceremony for fire station No. 79 rehabilitation and expansion

COACHELLA – A groundbreaking ceremony for $7.3 million in renovations for Fire Station No. 79 will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.

Originally built in 1978, the 44-year-old building is too small and outdated to serve current and future needs, according to Risseth Lora, public information officer.

This project will rebuild and enlarge the living, office and housing facilities to expand potential staffing and services and perform many important upgrades including the replacement of all existing mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems with energy-efficient, code-compliant systems.

In addition, the facility will be upgraded with 72-hour compliant emergency power generation to meet regulations as an emergency operations center. The entire structure will be architecturally updated to compliment the downtown Pueblo Viejo Community.

“We have a responsibility to make sure our first responders operate out of safe and efficient facilities that enable them to provide critical services to our community,” said Mayor Steven Hernandez.  “Our current fire station is tired. These improvements will bring it into the current century.”

Renovation plans also include the development of separate facilities for female firefighters that stemmed from a needs assessment that estimated that roughly 10 percent of all firefighters, including career and volunteer representatives, were women during this year.

“It’s important for us to adapt to our diverse workforce, especially our local heroes who do so much for us here in Coachella,” said Mayor Pro Tem Josie Gonzalez.

The program for the groundbreaking event includes a welcome from Mayor Steven Hernandez, a Presentation of the Colors by American Legion Post 739, and remarks from Cal Fire Division Chief Bryan White, City Council and other local dignitaries. This event is open to the public.