COVID-19 exposures halt fire administration ceremony

Maricopa Fire/Medical Department canceled a ribbon cutting scheduled for late Monday afternoon, citing an increase in exposure of its members to coronavirus.

The grand opening festivities were to mark the department’s first permanent administration building, which opened in the spring behind Fire Station 575 at West Garvey Parkway and North Estrella Parkway. The $5.3 million structure is the first official administration building for Fire/Medical since its inception in 2005.

A number of city officials, including Mayor Christian Price and City Manager Rick Horst, were to join Fire Chief Brady Leffler, city council members and principals with the construction and architectural firms on the project for the socially-distanced ceremony and tours of the facility.

“Due to an increase in COVID-19 exposures among Fire/Medical members, and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of those who would be attending the event, the MFMD has decided to cancel the grand opening,” the department said. “As circumstances permit, we will consider re-scheduling at a later date and will keep you informed.”

The 16,000-square-foot building, which sits on about 6.3 acres, includes 12,000 square feet of administrative space. The remainder is an addition to an existing vehicle maintenance facility. The expansion included specific equipment to support fire truck maintenance.