News-Argus/Mitch Loeber

Airman 1st Class Garrett Heaton, left, 4th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Steve Kwast, Seymour Johnson Fire Chief Thomas Wade Jr. and Assistant Chief Michael Joseph uncouple two links of hose during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base's new fire station Tuesday. The 42,000-square-foot facility was constructed over the past two years as part of an $11 million project that also included construction of a state-of-the-art satellite fire house. Both buildings are equipped with high-tech communication centers, living quarters and training areas. Officials said the new stations will improve the quality of life for Seymour's firefighters and shorten response times.