To ensure adequate fire protection for all residents of the city and prepare for imminent growth, the City of Sanford is building its fourth fire station. The new station will be located at the intersection of Colon Road and U.S. 1.

While this will be the fourth station, it has been assigned Sanford Fire Station 5 as there is a rural fire station labeled as 4 in the vicinity. Using the call number 5 will eliminate potential confusion when units are dispatched.

Project Description: Construction of a 2-bay, 12,000 sq ft facility capable of housing crews for two pieces of fire apparatus.

Project Team:

• City of Sanford: Sanford Fire Department Chief Matthew Arnold, SFD Deputy Chief Ken Cotten, City Engineer Sherry Earley, Fire Department Comittee

• General Contractor: Carolina Commercial Contractors

• Designer: ADW Architechs

Estimated Construction Cost: $7.2 Million

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December 2024 Update

Just over a year from breaking ground, the City of Sanford opened its newest fire station at 3945 Colon Road on November 16, 2024. The station is staffed by Engine 5 and its assigned crew.

The City held a ribbon cutting for the new facility on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, which was attended by members of the community along with those involved in the planning and construction. The event concluded with tours of the station.

At the ribbon cutting, Fire Chief Matt Arnold and Sanford Mayor Rebecca Salmon announced that the facility is dedicated to former Fire Chief Wayne Barber, who came to the department on February 14, 1975. Barber retired in 2022 after 47 years of service to the Sanford Fire Department, with 25 of those as its chief. A granite plaque has been placed at the building in his honor.

Retired Deputy Chief Ken Cotten was also recognized at the ribbon cutting for his dedication and service to Sanford. Mayor Salmon presented Cotten with a special plaque.

Read more about the station and the ribbon cutting on our website.