-Editorial
Naval Air Facility El Centro (NAFEC) will host a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony for its new state-of-the-art firehouse on December 11, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. The event marks a significant milestone for the base and the surrounding community, as it introduces a modern facility designed to enhance emergency response and strengthen partnerships with local municipalities.
Military and civilian leaders, local fire departments, and community stakeholders will attend the event, which will include remarks from NAFEC Commanding Officer CAPT Michael Lee. “The firehouse is a critical addition to the Imperial Valley’s Mutual Aid Program, providing essential resources to both NAF El Centro and local municipalities during emergencies,” Lee stated.
Fire Chief David Newcomb emphasized the broader impact of the project. “This new firehouse is a testament to the commitment to improving emergency services and building strong partnerships between the military and the surrounding community,” he said. “The facility will provide essential support to local firefighting efforts and enhance coordination during mutual aid situations, ensuring a robust, collaborative approach to emergency response.”
Several distinguished speakers are expected to highlight the firehouse’s significance, including its role in bolstering public safety and the procurement process that made it possible. Attendees will also learn about the facility’s construction timeline, which began with a $565 million funding allocation passed by the U.S. Senate through a Continuing Resolution on September 30, 2021. The construction contract was awarded to RQ Construction on September 1, 2022, and groundbreaking took place on June 21, 2023.
The new firehouse replaces two World War II-era structures that had been repurposed to house the base’s Federal Fire Department. The new facility offers modern resources and space for the NAFEC Fire & Emergency Service to better fulfill its mission of protecting life and property.
Kristopher Haugh, the base’s public affairs officer, announced that the ribbon-cutting event will be livestreamed on NAFEC’s official Facebook page, allowing the broader Imperial Valley community to witness the occasion.
NAF El Centro plays a critical role in supporting the combat training and readiness of the Warfighter, providing air operations support for U.S. Navy operational fleet and training squadrons, as well as units from other U.S. military branches and allied forces. The new firehouse will further enhance NAFEC’s emergency response capabilities, ensuring a more effective and collaborative approach to public safety for both the base and the community it serves.
