Bonita Springs firefighters who worked out of a strip mall for nearly a year have moved into a brand new fire station.
Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District reopened Fire Station 23 on Thursday by hosting a public ceremony. Firefighters have been in the building since December.
The traditional fire engine push-in meant to remember firefighters who died in the line of duty was halted by a radio screech — a call came through, forcing the dozens of visitors away from the engine as firefighters jumped in, racing to the next emergency.
The Fire District has covered the area since 1992. The original station, sitting on U.S. 41 near Old 41 road at the city's northern border with the village of Estero, had grown to the point of disrepair.