The new Lorton Fire Station 19 was unveiled to the community at a June 25 grand opening celebration.
Built to replace the now demolished Lorton Volunteer Fire Department facility, which had been constructed in 1954, the new $14 million fire station is significantly larger, has energy efficient and environmentally sustainable features, and was outfitted to comfortably accommodate both male and female members of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue and the volunteer fire company.
“While we invest in infrastructure for sure, what I’m most proud of is how we invest in our people,” said Jeff McKay, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. “Men and women in the Fire and Rescue Department, both our professionals and our volunteers — we hold all of them in the highest regard.”
Prior to moving into the new two-story, four-bay facility on June 1, Fire and Rescue Department personnel operated out of a temporary facility constructed on-site in late 2018. The time they spent there was much longer than anticipated, but county officials believe the wait was worth it.
“This extended construction was painful for us all,” said Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck. “Sometimes you have to go through some pain to get to celebrating the beautiful resources that we now have as part of this facility.”
The new fire station features sleeping quarters for 18 personnel, a kitchen, dining room, day room, exercise room, showers and locker rooms, shared community hall space and kitchen, and offices for the Lorton Volunteer Fire Department.
Storck went on to recognize several individuals associated with the station over the years, including Lorton Volunteer Fire Department Chief Maria Severa Pangelinan. Pangelinan, a 2018 graduate of South County High School and recent George Mason University graduate, received the Volunteer Provider of the Year Award at the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce’s Police & Firefighters Tribute last November.
County officials shared some of their personal memories about the old Lorton fire station. For his part, Fairfax County Fire Chief John Butler recalled knocking on its door back in the early 1990’s when he wanted to pursue community volunteer work during his military service at Quantico.
“The old Lorton station was the first station that these feet have ever entered,” he said. “That was the first time I’d ever been to a firehouse and touched a fire truck or walked around a place like a fire station.”
Following the ceremonial remarks and traditional uncoupling of the fire hose, members of the community had the opportunity to tour the new fire station and enjoy refreshments and kids’ activities.
Station 19 is located at 7701 Armistead Road in Lorton.
