The Molino fire station is now staffed by professional soldiers around the clock, seven days a week.

The full occupancy took place on Saturday, August 17, at 8 a.m.

The four-person crews form a special operations team that provides light technical and special rescue services in addition to responding to fire and medical calls throughout North Escambia. The station is deployed to the Molino Fire District and provides assistance to the McDavid, Walnut Hill, Century and Cantonment Fire Districts, as well as other local areas.

“This will really strengthen our response in the north,” Escambia County Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore said recently. “This will benefit the entire region.”

The current Squad 9 truck (pictured below), which was assigned to the McDavid Fire Station in September 2023, has been moved to the Molino Fire Station and will be referred to as Squad 18 by the new crews. Engine 9 and other equipment will remain in McDavid.

Work has been carried out at the Molino Fire Station to remodel the dormitories, living quarters and kitchen to better accommodate the 24-hour fire crews.

Molino is now a so-called combination department – ​​in addition to the paid teams, volunteers continue to respond to emergency calls.

“I am pleased that my friends and neighbors in the Molino area will be able to receive 24/7 service from the Molino Fire Station, and I am very grateful to the brave men and women who will provide this service, whether volunteer or professional,” 5th District Commissioner Steven Barry said recently.

Photos from NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.