Costa Mesa city, fire officials welcome $2.5M from state for training center upgrades

An aging training tower and center behind Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue’s Station No. 4 will soon be rebuilt and expanded into a regional facility, thanks in part to a $2.5-million commitment from one state lawmaker.

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine) presented a check Friday to Costa Mesa fire and city officials, including Fire Chief Dan Stefano, Mayor John Stephens and City Manager Lori Farrell Harrison, in a ceremony outside the Costa Mesa station. The funding was secured as a part of the 2021-22 state budget.

“It’s only June 3, but wildfire season is already upon us. The stakes right here in our own backyard could not be higher,” Petrie-Norris said at the event. “I’ve been honored to work with Chief Stefano and also with the Orange County Fire Authority to secure state resources to enable us to better protect our community.”

Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie Norris (D-Irvine) speaks Friday in a ceremony outside Costa Mesa Fire Station No. 4, which will soon be the site of a regional training facility. Petrie-Norris helped secure $2.5 million in state funding for the effort.

(Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer)

Built in 1967, the 55-year-old training grounds will be upgraded with state-of-the-art technology and a new water reclamation system that will recover water used as a part of training exercises. Stefano said the renovation would also potentially allow for fire agencies to cross-train with members of law enforcement.

“The goal of this facility is, as we rebuild, to have a high-technology, upgraded facility that allows for training in the safest manner possible, taking into consideration environmental concerns and providing an opportunity for our regional partners to join,” he said Friday. “We are greatly appreciative for this historic moment in time for the city of Costa Mesa.”

Stefano said conceptual plans for the new site could be completed by the end of the year, with a groundbreaking anticipated sometime in 2023. He estimated the entire project cost somewhere between $2.5 million to nearly $4 million and said the state’s commitment could be supplemented by city matching funds.

Costa Mesa Councilwoman Arlis Reynolds, from left, Mayor John Stephens, Fire Chief Dan Stefano, Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie Norris (D-Irvine) and City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, pose Friday with a $2.5 million check at Costa Mesa Fire Station No. 4.

(Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer)

Costa Mesa John Stephens pressed upon attendees that while facilities and resources are important city assets, perhaps the greatest asset to the city are its employees, in particular firefighters who put themselves in harm’s way for the safety of all.

“We owe it to them to provide the very best facilities — to keep them safe and to let them do the job to the best of their abilities,” Stephens said. “This is a step in the right direction, but it’s not the last step. We have a long way to go in the city of Costa Mesa, and together we’re going to get there.”

Support our coverage by becoming a digital subscriber.