The city of Manhattan Beach on Wednesday formally unveiled its new state-of-the-art fire station at Manhattan Beach Blvd. and Rowell Ave. in East Manhattan Beach.

The ribbon-cutting drew more than 100 residents, including many young children, eager to tour the new firehouse. The long-awaited $9.4 million fire station replaces a nearly 70-year-old facility that had become obsolete.

"[The new facility] is the envy of everyone else around us," declared Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery.

Fire Chief Mike Lang added that the building comes with "the most advanced technology to date." 

"Firefighters sacrifice time away from their families to serve the communities," said Lang. "Without hesitation they rush into danger. The fire station will enable us to respond more quickly and efficiently, reducing potential loss of life and property. The station symbolizes the city and the councilmembers' commitment to our firefighters and public safety."

Montgomery noted that the station has the ability to house women as well as men, as does Fire Station #1 at the City/Police/Fire complex in downtown Manhattan Beach. "If the day comes when we have a female firefighter, we'll be ready for them," he said, to the applause of the crowd.