Officials cut the ribbon last week on a new fire station designed to improve emergency response times in one of the city’s fastest-growing districts.

The station, which sits at the corner of Interquest Parkway and New Life Drive, will primarily serve the immediate area but is equipped to respond as far south as the Colorado Springs Airport and north to the Northgate community. Fire Chief Randy Royal said the new location will relieve pressure on neighboring stations and help meet the department’s goal of arriving at calls within eight minutes or less 90% of the time.

Royal, who was named the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Fire Chief of the Year for 2024, and Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobalade addressed a crowd of residents, firefighters and one wayward queen before the ribbon cutting. Both thanked the community for its support, noting that the station would not have been possible without city and local backing.

“These fire stations don’t open often, but they serve the community for generations to come,” Mobalade said.

Royal praised the department’s close partnership with local law enforcement as well.

“We have been blessed with a really good relationship with the local police department,” he said.

Although only recently opened, the station has already responded to significant emergencies, including a cardiac arrest and a full blood transfusion in September. Both patients are expected to recover thanks to the swift response of firefighters.

City officials said the facility represents a long-term investment in public safety.