Ribbon-cutting Ceremony to Celebrate Completion of Renovated Fire Station No. 79 in Downtown Coachella
COACHELLA – Some $7.3 million in renovations made to Fire Station No. 79 are completed and this community is ready to celebrate. The city and the Riverside County Fire Department will celebrate the completion on Thursday, April 25 at 10 a.m.
The program for the ribbon cutting includes a welcome from Mayor Steven Hernandez, a Presentation of the Colors by Fire Explorers Post No. 79, and comments from Chief Bill Weiser, City Council and other local dignitaries. This event is open to the public.
Ground was broken for the project in October 2022, and included expansion of the building, critical updates to increase efficiencies, and full architectural update to complement Coachella’s downtown district.
“We now have a facility that is worthy of our first responders, both inside and out. A lot has changed over the past four and half decades, including the way firefighters carry out their duties. Now they are equipped with an environment that is both innovative and efficient which they count on to aid in their responsiveness,” Mayor Steven Hernandez said in a statement.
Expansion efforts included living, office and housing facilities to accommodate potential staffing and services, including separate facilities for female firefighters. Upgrades included the replacement of all existing mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems with energy-efficient, code-compliant systems. A 72-hour compliant emergency power generation was also installed to meet regulations as an emergency operations center.
“As the Department Fire Chief, I am thrilled to celebrate the grand re-opening of Coachella Fire Station 79.” Chief Bill Weiser said in a statement. “This momentous occasion not only symbolizes our unwavering commitment to serving and protecting our community, but also signifies a new chapter of enhanced readiness and resilience. We stand ready to continue our legacy of excellence, ensuring the safety and well-being of all those we proudly serve.”
