WASHINGTON — The new Fairfax County fire station on Route 7 seems to have it all: Abundant space, meeting rooms, plenty of parking.

There’s only one thing missing: Firefighters.

Although construction on station 42 was completed in March, it has remained empty for six months because the county did not have the funds to staff it.

But now, some of the county’s surplus money will be used to cover an engine company.

“It’s a big deal,” says Capt. Ronnie Rodriguez. “We’re absolutely grateful for the efforts of the Board of Supervisors and the citizens coming together and making this happen for us to start running calls here.”

On Tuesday, one engine company will begin operating out of the new station and taking calls. By next summer, the county expects the station to be fully staffed.

WTOP’s Andrew Mollenbeck contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter.