Senator Archuleta Secures $1.5M to Aid in Replacing Outdated Fire Station in the City of Whittier
Whittier, CA – Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera) has secured $1.5 million in state funding to support the replacement of an aging fire station in the City of Whittier. The new facility will enhance emergency response capabilities, improve firefighter safety, and ensure the department can continue to meet the well-being of the community.
“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents is always a top priority,” Senator Archuleta said. “The funds will help replace an outdated fire station in Whittier and provide our firefighters with the modern facilities and equipment they need to continue protecting our community effectively and safely.”
This aging facility no longer meets modern emergency response and safety standards, according to the City of Whittier and Los Angeles County Officials. Identified in the 2020 County Fire District Facilities Master Plan as needing replacement, the station is adjacent to the second-busiest fire station in the county and is the sixth oldest in the Fire District.
The investment is part of Senator Archuleta’s ongoing commitment to supporting public safety infrastructure across the 30th Senate District and ensuring local first responders have the resources necessary to serve residents with excellence.
“On behalf of the Whittier City Council, I want to thank Senator Archuleta for championing public safety in our community,” Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri said. “This state investment in Fire Station 17 ensures our first responders have the facilities and resources they need to protect Whittier and our neighboring cities from wildfire threats. We are deeply grateful for his continued partnership and leadership in securing funding for projects that keep our residents safe.”
Fire Station 17 is located in, what officials consider, a “Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone” near the Whittier/Puente Hills Habitat Preserve. During a wildfire threat, it is the first responding station.
Currently, the station is severely undersized and lacks space for a paramedic squad, limiting its ability to provide emergency medical services to Whittier, Pico Rivera, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, and nearby unincorporated areas, which are located in the 30th Senate District.
Expanding its capacity is critical to ensuring faster response times and improving public safety in the region, particularly in vulnerable, densely populated, wildland-adjacent communities.
Senator Bob Archuleta currently represents the 30th Senate District, which includes portions of Los Angeles County and Orange County. He is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, and a member of the Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee, Government Organization Committee, Transportation Committee, as well as the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management. Website of Senator Bob Archuleta: https://sd30.senate.ca.gov/
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