DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 2, 2026) – The Daytona Beach Fire Department (DBFD) marked the beginning of a new chapter on June 2 when firefighters used extrication tools to cut a ceremonial metal ribbon at the new Fire Station 1 Headquarters. The new state-of-the-art facility replaces historic Fire Station No. 1, the oldest continuously operating fire station in Florida, which has served the community since 1925.

Nearly 400 residents, neighboring public safety departments, and community members joined city and fire department leadership for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and grand opening held in the apparatus bay of the brand-new station. Speakers included Fire Chief Dru Driscoll, Mayor of the City of Daytona Beach Derrick L. Henry, Wharton-Smith Construction President and CEO Tim Smith, and JL2 Architecture President Johnnie Lohrum.

"Today represents an investment not only in a building, but in the firefighters who serve this community and the residents who depend on us every day," said Fire Chief Dru Driscoll. "This facility provides the tools, training opportunities, and operational capabilities needed to protect Daytona Beach for generations to come while honoring the legacy of those who served before us."

President and CEO of Wharton-Smith Construction, Tim Smith presented Fire Chief Dru Driscoll a ceremonial axe to represent gratitude, partnership and leadership that brought the project to life.

“Being selected to help bring this project to life is something we do not take lightly. We understand that this building represents far more than bricks and mortar—it represents safety, service, and commitment to the people who call this community home, as well as the millions who visit here each year,” said Wharton-Smith President and CEO Tim Smith.

Designed by JL2 Architecture and built by Wharton-Smith Construction, the new headquarters is a two-story, 31,000-square-foot facility that supports current and future growth of the Daytona Beach Fire Department. The facility includes a community room that seats 90 and doubles as the city’s emergency operations center (EOC) during large scale emergencies. The community room/EOC sits next to a museum space that houses one of the department’s world-famous Motor Medic motorcycles and the department’s pride and joy, a 1952 Mack Fire Engine called “Rosie” among dozens of historical department artifacts. The second floor of the facility houses the department administration and office of the chief.

Firefighter health and safety were key priorities in the station's design. Features include upgraded living quarters, modern alerting systems, positive-pressure vestibules that prevent vehicle exhaust from entering occupied areas, and a dedicated decontamination room designed to reduce firefighters' exposure to harmful contaminants. Firefighter training features include a gym, training tower with standpipe and multiple technical rescue anchor points, and the opportunity to practice high angle and confined space rescues.

The project took 560 days to complete and is valued at $27.2 million. The former Station?1, located just feet from the Halifax River, flooded repeatedly during hurricanes, often forcing firefighters to relocate. As a result, the project secured significant support from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Resilient Florida Program. Total state grant funding for the project totaled $15.2 million dollars.

“Investing in modern public safety facilities is essential to meeting the needs of our growing community,” said Mayor Derrick L. Henry. “The new station reflects our commitment to providing firefighters with the technology and resources they need to serve our residents. This signature project not only strengthens emergency response capabilities today but also positions Daytona Beach for a stronger, more resilient future.”

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, firefighters gathered as the final alarm sounded at historic Fire Station No. 1 at 2 p.m. on June 2, officially marking the end of more than a century of service from the landmark station.

“Fire Station 1 has been more than just a building, it has been a symbol of service, commitment, and protection for the people of Daytona Beach. Within these walls friendships were formed, lessons were learned, traditions were passed down and countless lives were touched through the acts and dedication of selfless service,” said Volusia County Dispatch in a Volusia County-wide page.

While the transition marks the end of a historic era, the new headquarters will soon become home to the next generation of Daytona Beach firefighters and serve as a cornerstone of emergency response for decades to come.