PHOTOS: Orange County Fire Rescue Station 32 ribbon cutting

No matter whether Orange County Fire Rescue Station 32 was housed out of a strip mall on U.S. 192 or a brick-and-mortar station off Hartzog Road, Orange County District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson said the men and women serving at the station always have answered the call to keep residents safe.

She was thrilled to see the vision for Station 32 go from an empty lot to the state-of-the-art station she helped cut the ribbon for during an opening celebration Monday, March 2. 

Dozens of Orange County Fire Rescue officials and firefighters, county leaders and residents came together Monday, March 2, for the ribbon cutting celebration of Station 32. 

The fire station became fully operational Dec. 17, 2025. 

Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings credited Orange County Fire Rescue's continued high standards to the leadership of the organization, including Fire Chief Anthony Rios, ensuring the department is prepared for the present and future. 

"This new fire station here in Horizon West marks a new milestone and our continued commitment to protecting our community as it grows," Demings said. "It is an investment in our residents and the people who serve them every day."

Demings said a milestone such as opening the new fire station "reflects teamwork, vision and a shared commitment to excellence."

"To the firefighters at Station 32, continue setting the standard and continue serving with integrity, professionalism and pride," he said. "I'm proud to call Orange County Fire Rescue one of the finest departments in the country, and today is another example of why."

Rios thanked all those involved in making Station 32 a reality. He said the station was dedicated to the community as Orange County Fire Rescue is excited to serve from the new station. Station 32 initially opened in a public shopping center Oct. 22, 2006. Now, almost 20 years later, Rios beamed with pride to open the brick-and-mortar station, which he said represents a "major investment in the safety and wellbeing of this community."

"After many years of operating at our temporary fire station, as fire chief, I pledge that the men and women of Station 32 will go well beyond simply being responders in moments of crisis," Rios said. "We will weave ourselves into the very fabric of this vital community. We are now your family. Our commitment will focus on building our community outreach and nurturing strong relationships with the residents of Horizon West together. We will celebrate the joy of the holidays, honor traditions, recognize special birthdays and serve as guiding mentors to our youngest and most prized community residents — all our children."

Station 32 is equipped to provide fire services, advanced EMS and water rescue services. 

The station also was designed with the health and safety of firefighters in mind. Rios said "evidence-based modern-day safety and operational efficiencies" were implemented to equip "firefighters to stand strong throughout the evolutionary changes of the fire service, preparing us not only to meet the dangers and services of today but the services that are relevant to our future."

Orange County Fire Rescue Division Chief John Westmoreland said the station is the fifth prototype of its kind and incorporates advanced design and technology aimed at reducing cancer-causing carcinogens. 

The station features independent living quarters and modernized kitchen equipment including stainless steel appliances. It also has security, including exterior cameras, secure badge entry and secure parking.