Sunday, July 26, 2026

Coral Gables unveils new fire station on Sunset Drive

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A four-photo composite showing the dedication of Coral Gables Firehouse 4. Top: the exterior of the new two-story white modernist station at 1345 Sunset Drive, with a red fire engine marked "E4" and a red rescue vehicle parked in front of two open bays beneath a sign reading "Coral Gables Firehouse 4." An American flag flies to the left and mature trees frame the building. Bottom left: four firefighters in formal dress uniforms with white gloves stand in a color guard formation holding flags inside the station bay, with ceremony attendees visible in the background. Bottom center: a brass ceremonial bell on a wooden stand positioned in front of an array of flags including the American flag, the Florida state flag, and the Coral Gables Fire Department flag. Bottom right: a group of approximately ten fire department officers in formal dress uniforms pose together inside the station, including personnel in white command uniforms and dark navy dress uniforms.
Coral Gables Firehouse 4 opened March 27 on Sunset Drive with Engine 4 and Rescue 4 positioned at its bays. The dedication ceremony included a color guard presentation, the tolling of the station bell, and remarks from city officials and fire department leadership. (Photos courtesy of the City of Coral Gables)

By Coral Gables Gazette staff

The City of Coral Gables marked a milestone in public safety on March 27 with the official opening and dedication of Firehouse 4, a new station designed to expand emergency coverage and improve response times in the city’s southern and coastal neighborhoods.

A ceremonial opening rooted in tradition

Located at 1345 Sunset Drive, the state-of-the-art facility was introduced during a morning ceremony that blended tradition with forward-looking investment, with a cross section of residents, former and current elected officials and other attendees from different walks of life. The event included longstanding fire service customs such as the ceremonial “push-in,” the tolling of the bell, and the uncoupling of the hose—rituals that symbolize placing a station into active service.

Earlier in the week, the department hosted retirees for a private breakfast and preview ceremony, underscoring the theme shared by Coral Gables Fire officials: honoring the past while building for the future. “Tradition isn’t just remembered, it’s carried forward,” the department noted in a statement accompanying the event.

Coral Gables officials frame the moment

City leaders and attendees described the opening as both symbolic and practical. Commissioner Melissa Castro called the station “a proud moment for our community and a meaningful step forward for public safety,” emphasizing the city’s commitment to equipping firefighters with the resources needed to serve residents effectively. Commissioner Richard Lara echoed that sentiment, describing Firehouse 4 as “a new hub of safety and service” and praising firefighters for their daily dedication.

Mayor Vince Lago highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project, thanking Fire Chief Marcos De La Rosa, city staff, and former elected officials who helped bring the station to fruition. “This new fire station represents a major step forward in providing additional safety and security for Coral Gables residents,” Lago said, noting the years of planning required to complete the facility.

What the new station is expected to do

According to project partners, Firehouse 4 is a key addition to the city’s emergency response network. As Coral Gables continues to grow, the station is expected to strengthen coverage, reduce response times, and support future development. The project reflects the city’s long-standing emphasis on infrastructure planning dating back to its founding in 1925.

Part of a broader system

West Construction, Inc., the project’s general contractor, described the station as part of the “continued evolution” of Coral Gables’ public safety system, noting its role in completing the department’s network of firehouses.

With Engine 4 and Rescue 4 now operating from the new location, city officials say Firehouse 4 is not just a new building, but a tangible investment in the safety and resilience of the community it serves.

This Post Has 48 Comments

  1. Estela Leevia March 30, 2026 Reply

    I’m sure it’s functional, but the architecture is awful. Modern box. So sad that Coral Gables didn’t pay respect to its traditional Mediterranean style, or even an Art Deco style like the old station that became the Coral Gables Museum.

  2. Lucille Garcia-Pages April 2, 2026 Reply

    Yes the modern block are not pretty. However the importance of the Fire station is the crew and the equipment.

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