To increase the emergency response time in rapid growing areas in Miami Lakes and surrounding areas, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is adding another unit at the town’s west side fire station in April, according to Fire Chief Dave Downey.
In a letter to the Town of Miami Lakes, Downey said Miami-Dade approved a budget for the unit at Station 64 located at 15325 N.W. 77 Court, which will serve residents and visitors of the city and and neighboring communities as part of the county’s regional fire rescue services.
The unit will arrive at 7 a.m., Monday, April 8 at the Miami Lakes fire station.
“Given the rapid growth in Miami-Dade County, this is a much-needed service enhancement,” said Downey. “I am pleased that our County Mayor Carlos Jimenez and the Board of County Commissioners approved the increased service in this year’s budget.”
Downey said a ceremony to welcome the new unit will take place days before it goes into service at Station 64.
“We would like to partner with your elected officials, your town manager, and of course your residents to participate in a Unit Push In ceremony as close to the day the unit is placed in service,” Downey said. “This is a long-standing tradition in the fire service, dating back to the time of horse drawn fire trucks. When a new fire truck was received, community members helped the firefighters push the unit into the station for the first time. This is a great event and we look forward to having you participate.”
Miami Lakes town officials and residents have been requesting an additional unit at the fire station for some time now since the population has overwhelmingly increased but the county lacked funds.
This fiscal year, Miami-Dade set aside funds for the new unit which drew praise from residents.
Mayor Manny Cid thanked the county for adding the new unit to Miami Lakes. “On behalf of all Miami Lakes, I would like to thank Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Commissioner Esteban Bovo Jr., and Fire Chief Dave Downey for their efforts in bringing these added services to our community.”