Years in the making, the Wheeling Fire Department has officially opened its new headquarters with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Wednesday, Sept. 17, in East Wheeling.

Ground was broken on the $9 million facility, located at 1700 Wood Street, in August 2022. The 24,860-square-foot, single-story structure replaces the department’s former headquarters in Center Wheeling.

“This new facility is not just a building—it’s a long-term investment in our community’s safety,” said Fire Chief Jim Blazier. “The design and layout give our team the tools they need to train, rest, and respond quickly to emergencies. I am grateful to everyone who has kept this project going over the last several years. Special thanks to our city manager and administration, past and present city council, and retired Fire Chief Larry Helms, who played a significant role in getting this project started, as well as all our firefighters who have been patiently awaiting this day.”

The new headquarters features space for additional apparatus, a hose drying and training tower, a large training room, offices for command staff, a fitness center, decontamination and enhanced firefighting safety areas, and individual bunk rooms for on-duty firefighters.

“The opening of the new headquarters is an important step forward for the City of Wheeling,” said City Manager Robert Herron. “This state-of-the-art facility ensures our firefighters have the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, while reaffirming our ongoing investment in public safety.”

The department had been based in the lower level of the Center Wheeling Parking Garage since 1978. That structure was demolished in 2024. During construction of the new station, administrative offices were relocated to the former B.G. J. Sumner Jones Armory Reserve Center in Clator, and suppression crews were temporarily reassigned to other stations throughout the city.

“Today’s ribbon cutting marks more than the opening of a new building—it represents progress, pride, and a continued commitment to the people of Wheeling,” said Mayor Denny Magruder. “This headquarters stands as a symbol of the trust we place in our fire department and the promise that our city will always invest in the safety and well-being of our residents.”

The building was designed by M&G Architects and Engineering of Wheeling. Construction was completed by Great Lakes Contracting.

The Wheeling Fire Department will now fully operate from the East Wheeling location, marking the beginning of a new era for fire protection and emergency response in the city.

A public open house of the fire department will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27. Those wanting to tour the facility should park on 17^th or 18^th Streets.