MIDDLEBURG - For Clay County Fire Chief Lorin Mock, Christmas day came earlier than expected on Dec. 4, when community members joined together to celebrate the construction of the county's two newest fire stations.

Fire Stations 1 and 22 are planned for Middleburg and Fleming Island, respectively. Both stations are part of a $65 million bond appropriated by the county back in 2024. 

"These new stations represent progress, safety and our continued commitment to serving and protecting our residents," said District 5 Commissioner and Chair Kristen Burke. "They're more than just buildings. They're investments in the people who put their lives on the line for us every day."

It's a huge milestone, as it's been more than 25 years since the county opened a brand-new service location. The last one was Station 26 in Oakleaf Plantation.

It's right on time for the county's rapid growth, projected to reach more than 275,000 residents by 2030.

"We thought Station 1 was appropriate because if you notice with the intersection now with both Blanding and the expressway, the men and women that are going to work here are going to be able to get almost anywhere in the county in a short period of time," Mock said.

Station 1 will be off Brannan Mill Boulevard, north of Old Jennings Road. Station 22 will be on Arena Road, relocated from the current one on Pine Avenue.

 Mock said Station 22's move will allow for a strategic central location to serve the Fleming Island community. Mock noted that, in the past, fire stations were typically built near where volunteers lived, as was the case with Station 22. 

 "That property was purchased, I think, 20 years ago. And it's set up and ready to go off Arena Road," he said. "We're improving the service for that community as well."

District 1 Commissioner John Sgromolo, who represents the area, said it will now provide a higher level of service, allowing for quicker response times and a better outcomes for residents.

"We're now taking a station with 180 degrees of service, and making it 360 degrees of service, which is a huge return for our taxpayers," he said. 

District 2 Commissioner Alexandra Compere, who represents the Middleburg/Oakleaf area, echoed those sentiments for Station 1.

"Having this new Fire Station 1, right here, in this district, means faster response times, expanded coverage and stronger support for men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our lives," she said.

"It means family, schools and businesses can rest a little easier knowing that help will be closer than ever when it's needed most."

Mock said that both will serve the community well into the next century. The county will also be adding a new fire engine for additional personnel to service out of Station 1.

And there are more on the way. Station 20 opened in Green Cove Springs back in August, while design plans are underway for an additional location near Shedd Road and one in Penney Farms.

The county is also looking to break ground on Station 15 in Lake Asbury by the end of next summer.

"We are getting ready to open new stations throughout the next year. We are getting ready for new service locations," Mock said. "And we're improving the location and lives of the members of the Clay County Fire Rescue Department."