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.