Emergency Operations Center nears completion in Haines City

HAINES CITY, Fla. — Haines City’s new emergency operations center is nearing completion and is set to open in September.

The center will include the city’s third fire station, as well as a space for the city’s police department.

Every morning starts with preparation for the day. Fire Chief Codi Donahoe said it’s part of getting the team ready for a call.

“Each engineer, they come out, they run their truck, their pump, they check every piece of equipment,” Donahoe said.

It’s a process that hasn’t changed since he started his journey with the fire department in 2006.  

He was hired as the Haines City Fire Chief four months ago. He said returning to the city was a full circle moment for him, and it’s a position that allows him to serve in a different way.

“I’m glad to be here in this moment to see the development of the fire department and the city as a whole,” he said.

He is leading the way while the city grows and is part of the team that advocated for a new fire station.

“With the growth comes that added call volume, so we want to make sure with fire station three that area will be better covered than it already is now.”

Located off Highway 27, the building will help residents who live in the northern part of Haines City.

It will be a central hub for emergency response efforts, not only for the fire department but for local law enforcement as well.

Last year, the fire department had over 7,000 calls for service. This year, it is on track to receive over 8,000 calls.

Donahoe anticipates that number growing with an additional station. “We just want to provide the best service possible,” he said.

The fire department is also looking for more firefighters to staff the new station, with an application process open until July 5.