Horizon West Welcomes Cutting-Edge Fire Station 44
State-of-the-Art Facility Enhances Emergency Services and Public Safety
Horizon West residents have a new, state-of-the-art fire station to support their emergency needs. Orange County Fire Rescue Station 44, located along Reams Road, first opened its doors in February 2024 and later held an official ribbon cutting ceremony in the presence of Mayor Jerry Demings, District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson, residents, media and special guests.
At the ceremony on March 27, Orange County Fire Chief James Fitzgerald started his remarks by commenting, “As the fire chief, it doesn’t get any better than this!” referring to opening a high-tech, beautiful new facility. He went on to thank the Mayor Demings and Commissioner Nicole Wilson for their support of this project and of public safety in general.
Station 44 marks the County’s 45th station and represents a $5.4 million investment from Orange County.
Providing Residents Skilled Services, Peace of Mind
Adding this station to Fire Battalion 7, which services the growing Horizon West community, helps Orange County achieve its number one priority – ensuring public safety.
Fire Station 44 houses both an engine and a transport rescue vehicle, both of which will have paramedics onboard. Fitzgerald explained that is not the case in every community, so Horizon West is fortunate to have such skilled services available in the event of emergency.
Fitzgerald added, "Building a new fire station not only improves the quality of life [for Horizon West], but it also represents a commitment by county leadership and the men and women of fire rescue to be there when it matters most."
District 1 Commissioner Nicole Wilson says she often assures her residents that they are safe in the hands of Orange County first responders. She acknowledged, “This area of Orange County is suffering from many growing pains, but Orange County Fire Rescue has always been a step ahead, ready to take care of residents, even if they were operating from a temporary space.”
Before moving to its new permanent home, Station 44 was previously housed in a temporary facility located beside Orlando Health Horizon West Hospital on Porter Road. Last year, Station 44 responded to more than 1,500 calls. The new station will continue to provide critical life-saving services to meet the needs of the rapidly growing community.
Nearby homeowners may find they benefit from decreased home insurance rates, but more importantly, they also gain a sense of comfort and security knowing that life- and property-saving resources are now even closer to home.
Adding Advanced Lifesaving Measures to Everyday Services
Orange County Fire Rescue recently announced that it is among the first agencies in Florida to carry whole blood units — giving first responders the ability to administer transfusion to trauma victims while still in transit. This new level of emergency medical service will buy time for trauma patients and drastically increase their chance of survival, according to Orange County Fire Rescue.
Residents should be aware that firefighters and paramedics at the new station are able to provide everyday services to the public as well. If a resident is feeling concerned about their blood pressure, they can stop at the station at any time for a free blood pressure check. And those who require use of syringes or other sharps for their personal medical care can drop off used supplies for safe disposal seven days a week.
You can visit Station 44 at 14230 Reams Road.
Learn about ways you can engage with your local fire station at Orange County’s Website for Fire Safety and Education.
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