LEON VALLEY, Texas – It is a sign of progress and growth. The city of Leon Valley, just west of San Antonio, officially unveiled its new stand-alone fire station.
"We are just overwhelmed, to be honest with you," said Chief Luis Valdez, of the Leon Valley Fire Department. "The design is right on target."
The fire department has always been connected to another building. The new station is a first for the city, which started the department in the early 1970s.
The city passed a bond in order to build the new building, which is twice as big as the old one.
"Love it, love it," said Michael Dizzine, a Leon Valley firefighter.
Outside, they have five big bays for their three ambulances, an engine, two ladder trucks and a brush truck. Plus the garage is now drive-thru, which means no backing up.
Inside, there is plenty of space in the new relaxation area, which includes a big screen TV and theater seating. The kitchen is huge with a large pantry and three refrigerators -- one for each shift.
"We are not as cramped as we were in the old station, a little more elbow room," Dizzine said.
Then there is the kitchen table, which is about 8 feet long and made of wood from a lane from Bandera Bowl. The table stands on two fire hydrants and was crafted by the Marshall High School shop class.
"A lot of stories go on at this table right here," Dizzine said.
There are also four single bathrooms, complete with showers, and 10 single dorm rooms with fancy mattresses.
"Very nice, very nice," Dizzine said.