Holloman gets new fire station

  • Published
  • By By Senior Airman Tiffany Trojca
  • 49th FW/PA
HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Firefighters here now have a state-of-the-art place to eat, sleep and play. 

Fire Station 1 was opened October 9 during a Grand Opening Ceremony with over 100 people in attendance including members of 24 fire departments around Otero County, N.M. 

"I came from a place that thought they had a nice fire station but this one is much nicer. It will be nice to have this new station as our missions increase over the next few months," said Col. Jeff Harrigian, 49th Fighter Wing commander. 

Colonel Harrigian and Airman 1st Class Kenneth Nixon, firefighter assigned to the 49th Civil Engineer Squadron, disconnected the hose coupling at the front of the bay doors to signal the opening of Fire Station 1 as "Ride of the Valkyries" by Richard Wagner played in the background. 

Everyone in attendance was invited inside to tour the new facility. The station features a full kitchen, a complete gym and wireless internet, as well as new rooms with desks and cable televisions.

Firefighters here work a rotating shift of 48 hours on and 24 hours off. During their shifts they live within the walls of the fire station, so it's convenient to have the luxuries of home when they're away for such long stretches.

"This is definitely well deserved," said Mr. Elzie Little, former Holloman Air Force Base fire chief.

While Mr. Little was the fire chief, he began lobbying for the congressional money that led to the $15.1 million building being built here. Monies will also be used to build Fire Station 3, which will be located on the northern part of the base. 

Holloman closed out the old Fire Station 1 as the best Fire Protection Flight in Air Combat Command. It was the first time in 10 years Holloman had been awarded the honor. 

This is the first new fire station at Holloman in over 52 years. The previous Fire Station 1 was opened in 1956 when fire-fighting was a male-dominated career field.