Linda Shannon-Hills
The wait is over! Breaking ground at last! After approval on the 2019 bond issue for a fully equipped fire station to support SaddleBrooke Ranch, the groundbreaking was held on June 4 for the future home of Golder Ranch Fire station 378.
For the last 11 years, the Golder Ranch Fire Station was in a residential home just inside the community with a smaller engine and housing four fire personnel, 24/7.
At the groundbreaking, dignitaries from the Golder Ranch Fire District (GRFD) board; Jeff McClure of the Pinal County Board of Supervisors; Golder Ranch Fire District Chief Tom Brandhuber; Tim Fudge, Director of Facilities, Robson Communities; and Lloyd Construction personnel lined up for the ceremony. Many of the GRFD personnel, local press, and several invited residents were in attendance.
The ceremony began with Assistant Chief Grant Cesarek of Support Services welcoming all in attendance. He stated, “Station 378 plays a vital role in our emergency response network, and the construction of this new facility is a testament to our dedication to providing the highest level of service to the residents of SaddleBrooke Ranch.”
“We are excited to launch this important project that will significantly enhance our ability to serve the needs of our community. The new Station 378 will provide our firefighters with a modern, efficient facility to carry out their life-saving work.” Stated Fire Chief Tom Brandhuber prior to the ceremonial groundbreaking.
Currently, Golder Ranch Fire District services the residents of SaddleBrooke Ranch from a home in the community with limited facilities for the fire personnel. The new fire station will provide upgraded infrastructure and a new location to better serve the needs of our growing community. The facility will feature state-of-the-art apparatus bays and living quarters for 11 on-duty personnel and a bay for a future ambulance.
No specific date is available currently but they are proposing the first quarter in 2025. GRFD will provide updates on the completion date of Station 378 as available.