Roy Wilson Fire Station Unveiled
THOUSAND PALMS- A new state-of-the-art fire station is now operating here in the Coachella Valley. The Roy Wilson Fire Station and training center was unveiled Saturday in Thousand Palms.
“This was Roy’s area, his home,” says Aurora Wilson, Roy Wilson’s widow. ” He wanted the community served.”
The former Thousand Palms Fire Station #35 is now the Roy Wilson Fire Station, named after the late Fourth District Supervisor.
“He wouldn’t be happy that it’s named after him,” says Aurora Wilson. ” He didn’t like things to be about him, he wanted others to be recognized. “
Everyone at the dedication ceremony, including Wilson’s replacement, agrees there’s no better name.
“Roy’s name on this is a beautiful thing,” says State Senator John Benoit, who will fill Wilson’s seat.
“Roy was a wonderful man,” says John Hawkins, Riverside County Fire Chief.
This is a project, Wilson pushed for many years and it’s finally complete.
“He had his hands on so many projects, not just this one,” says Benoit. ” We need to remember the service he provided.”
The new facility not only honors a man who meant so much to the community and the county, it also provides intense training.
“Firefighters from Palm Springs to Blythe will have a state of the art facility to train in,” says Benoit.
The center houses new training and technology classrooms, a five story drill tower and facilities for underground, water and mud training. It’s a joint effort between College of the Desert and Riverside County Fire.
“That’s what Roy was about, bringing people and agencies together,” says Aurora Wilson.
People say, the new station will become a pillar in Thousand Palms, just as Supervisor Wilson was.
“For a long, long time he will be remembered in this community,” says Benoit.