For years residents of Mission Valley have been anxiously awaiting a permanent fire station to call their own. Now they have one.

I am proud to finally see the official opening of this state-of-the-art fire station that will serve the heart of Mission Valley where it is desperately needed, said City Councilmember Scott Sherman, whose district includes Mission Valley.

With more than 16,000 square feet, five garage bays, 16 dormitory rooms, an engine, ambulance, a new $1.2 million fire truck and an entire hazmat response team, it is the first full-scale station built in the City of San Diego since 2008. City leaders and firefighters say the $11 million station amply meets the needs of a rapidly expanding community along the Interstate 8 corridor.

This station gives us so many opportunities to better serve the residents of Mission Valley and the City, said Fire-Rescue Chief Javier Mainar. The addition of a truck here has been needed for some time and improves our response for fires and rescues. While we operated well from the temporary station, this facility is immeasurably better.