Firehouse 23 in Henrico County holds grand opening ceremony

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Henrico residents, firefighters and officials celebrated the newest firehouse, located at the county's East End, at its grand opening Thursday.

Firehouse 23, located at 5618 Nine Mile Road, held a ribbon-cutting event on Thursday, Oct. 16, that included a traditional fire engine push-in ceremony, according to the county's social post. Since its opening earlier this year, officials said the station has ramped up fire protection and improved emergency response times in eastern Henrico.

"This is not merely an event, but a testament to our community's unwavering commitment to safety and service," said county manager John Vithoulkas.

(Photo: Paul Nevadomski, 8News)

(Photo: Paul Nevadomski, 8News)

(Photo: Paul Nevadomski, 8News)

(Photo: Paul Nevadomski, 8News)

(Courtesy of the Henrico County Government)

Though the firehouse has been open for 8 months since February, Henrico County Division of Fire Chief Jackson Baynard said officials planned the grand opening with residents in mind.

"We want to make sure to include the community in it, invite them in, make sure it's part of their community," he said. "We're here to support them, not only calls for service, but [also] other community events that occur."

Baynard said the firehouse plans to add a ladder truck to the station in the next 18 to 24 months to help with unit movement and availability.

Firehouse 23 spans 14,119 square feet on a five-acre lot at the corner of Nine Mile Road and Westover Avenue.

Construction on the firehouse began in August 2023 and cost roughly $14.5 million, according to the county's website. The project was funded as part of the 2016 Bond Referendum.

The station is staffed 24/7 with a fire engine and a fire medic unit.