All Fired Up
by Kevin Fritz
The City of Longwood recently took a big step forward in bringing its long-awaited new fire station to fruition.
This summer, demolition began at the future home of the Longwood Fire Department’s new Station 15, marking significant progress toward a modern facility that will better serve this growing community. The firehouse, which will replace the existing Fire Station 15, will provide a larger, more functional space designed to support Longwood’s first responders and the essential work they do.
In December 2021, the city announced the purchase of the property at 451 and 455 West Warren Avenue, adjacent to Reiter Park and just west of the current Station 15, as the site of the replacement station. The project had been delayed by building design changes but is once again moving forward, with an anticipated completion in mid-2028.
“It has been quite the process,” says Longwood Fire Chief Troy Feist, who has led the department since October 1, 2024. “I was part of the design team back when I was one of the 39 in-line firefighters. A lot of work has gone into getting the funding and moving the project along.”
The fire department remains home to 39 in-line firefighters with a total staff of 45. Longwood’s other fire station is Station 17, located on the east side of the city at the corner of Wayman Street and Magnolia Avenue.
Once completed, the relocated Station 15 will occupy 3.54 acres near Reiter Park’s basketball courts. When fire personnel move into the 13,791-square-foot station, they will find a state-of-the-art facility enhanced with resources that include a fitness center, four additional sleeping quarters, a kitchen, and a dining area. There will be three bays, allowing for two trucks deep. The station will also house the city’s newest fire truck, purchased in 2023. The Ascendant 107’ Heavy-Duty Aerial Ladder provides firefighters with 107 feet of vertical and 100 feet of horizontal reach.
In addition, the replacement station is being designed for other municipal uses, including the Longwood Emergency Operations Center, which will move in with the firefighters on day one. The facility’s split design will allow administration to occupy one side of the firehouse, while the other side will feature all the modern conveniences firefighters require to do their jobs.
Most importantly, the relocated station will improve the department’s ability to respond to emergencies.
“New Station 15 will further benefit neighboring communities,” says Fire Marshal Jared Roberson. “We run mutual aid with all other surrounding jurisdiction fire departments. This means we will both provide and receive assistance during emergency responses, whether they are minor incidents or large-scale events.”
The building that’s currently housing Station 15, at the intersection of West Warren Avenue and Milwee Street on the east side of Reiter Park, was built in 1980. The space was remodeled in 1995. A decision has not been made on what will become of that structure.
“It was never designed to accommodate firefighters,” says Jared. “It is more like a house.”
One major issue that has affected the existing Station 15 is flooding during major storms. The two most recent hurricanes that impacted Central Florida led to flooding, with firefighters being evacuated and forced to sleep on air mattresses at Longwood City Hall.
“We are struggling with that building,” says Chief Feist. “We need a modern fire station, with modern safety standards. We have to make sure we are prepared for calls. We look forward to opening this new station, which will be a great asset to the city and people of Longwood.”