Grand Opening of Fire Station #15 Brings Community Together

On Thursday, March 20, residents, city officials, and firefighters gathered to celebrate the grand opening of Fire Station #15, located at 10905 Panther Way near the Ritchie Road water tower. The state-of-the-art facility was dedicated in a ceremony filled with community spirit and traditional fire service rituals.

A highlight of the event was the fire engine push-in ceremony, an age-old tradition symbolizing the official placement of a fire engine into its new home. Guests, including children, joined the ceremony to lend a helping hand. Sparky the Fire Dog also delighted attendees, adding to the festivities, which included tours of the new station.

Fire Station #15 is a modern, $6 million facility covering approximately 8,200 square feet. It features a three-bay design, individual sleeping quarters for up to eight firefighters per shift, and specialized equipment such as apparatus exhaust removal systems and decontamination areas. The station’s washing machines are equipped to clean firefighters’ gear thoroughly. Staffed by one captain, two lieutenants, three engineers, and six firefighters, the station maintains a daily minimum crew of three personnel.

Serving the West Waco neighborhood, which has experienced significant residential growth, the new station aims to improve emergency response times while continuing to uphold the department’s standard for rapid fire truck deployment.

Fire Station #15 serves as both an operational hub and a community resource. Residents are encouraged to visit the station, meet the firefighters, and explore the programs offered, such as the Fire House to Your House microchip scanning initiative, car seat safety checks, and smoke alarm programs.

City leaders, including District 3 Councilmember Josh Borderud and Waco Mayor Jim Holmes, emphasized the importance of the station as a community cornerstone. Mayor Holmes remarked on the vital role firefighters play, not only in responding to emergencies but also as engaged neighbors within the community.