The $10.9 million facility replaces a nearly 50-year-old fire station, bringing advanced technology, sustainable design and improved firefighter safety to Palm Coast.
PALM COAST, Fla. — The Palm Coast Fire Department celebrated a major milestone with the grand opening and ceremonial hose uncoupling of the new Fire Station 22, marking a significant investment in public safety, firefighter wellness and the future of emergency services in the growing community.
Located at 350 Palm Coast Parkway NE, the approximately $10.9 million facility replaces the original Fire Station 22, constructed in 1977 during Palm Coast’s early development under ITT.
City officials, firefighters, construction partners and community members gathered to celebrate the completion of the state-of-the-art station, which combines modern emergency response capabilities with sustainable building practices and features designed to protect the health and well-being of first responders.
Honoring Tradition and Celebrating Progress
The ceremony began with opening remarks from fire department leadership, followed by the presentation of colors by the Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.
An opening prayer expressed gratitude for the community, city leadership, firefighters and the many individuals whose efforts made the new facility possible.
The celebration brought together representatives from the City of Palm Coast, architectural and construction firms, and members of the fire department to recognize the years of planning, coordination and construction required to bring the project to completion.
A Fire Station Built With Sustainability in Mind
One of the defining features of the new Fire Station 22 is its emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency.
According to information presented during the ceremony, the facility has achieved LEED certification, a nationally recognized designation for buildings that meet established standards for sustainable design, construction and operation.
The station was also described as a net-positive energy building, designed to produce more energy than it consumes. During the presentation, representatives reported an energy production figure of 136%, highlighting the facility’s commitment to reducing its long-term environmental impact.
Water conservation was another priority, with advanced plumbing fixtures and sensor technology reportedly reducing water usage by 13.6%.
The building also incorporates certified indoor air quality measures intended to provide a healthier working environment for firefighters, who regularly face exposure to smoke, chemicals and other hazardous substances in the course of their duties.
These features are designed not only to reduce operating costs and environmental impact but also to create a safer and more sustainable workplace for the personnel who will occupy the station around the clock.
Collaboration Behind the $10.9 Million Project
The completion of Fire Station 22 represents a coordinated effort among city employees, architects, engineers, contractors and construction crews.
Wharton-Smith served as the construction contractor, working alongside Schenkel Shultz and a team of engineering and design professionals to transform the fire department’s vision into a fully operational facility.
During the ceremony, representatives from the construction team expressed appreciation for the relationships developed throughout the project and recognized the contributions of superintendents, engineers and other professionals involved in bringing the building to completion.
City leadership also acknowledged the extensive planning and cooperation required to deliver a complex public safety facility.
The result is a station designed to meet the operational demands of a modern fire department while providing the flexibility and infrastructure necessary to serve Palm Coast as the community continues to grow.
Replacing Nearly Five Decades of History
The new facility replaces the original Fire Station 22, which was built in 1977 by ITT during the early years of Palm Coast’s development.
For nearly 50 years, the original station served as an essential part of the community’s emergency response system. However, as Palm Coast expanded and firefighting technology evolved, the aging facility became increasingly limited in its ability to accommodate modern equipment, larger emergency vehicles and the operational needs of today’s firefighters.
The replacement represents more than an infrastructure upgrade. It marks the transition from a station built for a much smaller community to one designed to support the demands of a growing city.
While the new building begins its own chapter of service, efforts are also underway to preserve the history of the original station.
In March 2026, the Palm Coast City Council approved a $226,600 design agreement related to the preservation and potential repurposing of the former Fire Station 22.
Although the design phase has moved forward, funding for future construction and long-term operations remains a separate consideration.
The preservation effort reflects the city’s interest in honoring the original station’s historical significance while investing in the future of emergency services.
Mayor Norris Shares Personal Connection to Fire Services
Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris offered a personal perspective on the importance of public safety investments, sharing that local emergency responders had helped save his wife’s life.
His remarks highlighted the critical role firefighters and emergency medical personnel play in the lives of residents, often responding during some of their most difficult and frightening moments.
For families experiencing medical emergencies, structure fires, vehicle crashes and other dangerous situations, the availability of trained first responders and reliable equipment can make a life-changing difference.
The mayor’s personal experience reinforced the importance of providing firefighters with the facilities and resources necessary to perform their duties effectively.
Designed for Faster Emergency Response
Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill outlined the department’s vision for the new facility, emphasizing its commitment to the core values of family, integrity and loyalty.
According to figures shared during the ceremony, the department responds to more than 18,700 calls annually, demonstrating the significant demand placed on Palm Coast’s emergency services.
With that volume of calls, response efficiency was a central consideration throughout the station’s design.
The building’s layout, emergency vehicle access points and alerting systems were developed to help firefighters move quickly from their living and working areas to their apparatus when an emergency call is received.
Every second can be critical during a fire, medical emergency or rescue operation, and the station’s design reflects the department’s focus on minimizing unnecessary delays.
The facility also provides modern infrastructure to accommodate emergency vehicles, equipment and the personnel needed to respond to the community’s changing public safety needs.
Prioritizing Firefighter Health and Wellness
Beyond improving emergency response capabilities, the new Fire Station 22 places considerable emphasis on the physical and mental well-being of firefighters.
Chief Berryhill highlighted the importance of protecting the personnel who routinely place themselves in dangerous environments while serving the public.
Firefighters face occupational risks that extend beyond the immediate dangers of fires and emergency scenes, including exposure to carcinogens, hazardous materials, disrupted sleep schedules and the physical and emotional demands of emergency response.
To address those concerns, the new station incorporates specialized decontamination features intended to reduce the transfer of harmful substances into firefighters’ living and working spaces.
Dedicated bunk rooms and recovery areas were also designed to support rest and recovery between emergency calls.
These features reflect a broader commitment within the fire service to reducing occupational cancer risks, managing fatigue and supporting the long-term health of emergency personnel.
By incorporating these protections into the station’s design, the department aims to create an environment that allows firefighters to serve the community while better safeguarding their own health.
A Traditional Hose Uncoupling Marks the Opening
The ceremony concluded with a traditional fire service hose uncoupling, officially marking the opening of the new Fire Station 22.
Rather than a conventional ribbon cutting, the hose uncoupling reflects the traditions of the fire service and symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter for the station and its personnel.
Attendees were reminded that the facility is an active fire station, meaning any emergency call would take priority over the festivities. That proved true when an alarm came in during the ceremony and firefighters promptly left to respond.
The reminder underscored the station’s ultimate purpose: protecting lives and property throughout the community.
Investing in Palm Coast’s Future
With its approximately $10.9 million investment, modern emergency response infrastructure, energy-efficient design and emphasis on firefighter wellness, the new Fire Station 22 represents a significant advancement for the Palm Coast Fire Department.
The project balances the practical demands of emergency services with a forward-looking approach to sustainability and personnel safety.
As the original station’s nearly 50-year legacy gives way to a new era, the department now has a facility designed to support the firefighters who answer thousands of calls for help each year.
For Palm Coast residents, the opening represents more than a new building. It is an investment in the people, equipment and infrastructure that help keep the community safe today and for generations to come.
