Politics & Government
Fairfax Firefighters Want New Station Study, Security at Training Center
What do you want the city to spend money on?
Fairfax City firefighters want to take the next step in replacing Fire Station 33 as well as install security, sprinklers and backup radio systems at its training center.
The presented its proposed Capital Improvement Projects before the Planning Commission on Nov. 28. Every year the commission sifts through millions of dollars in project requests to sort the must-haves from the what-ifs and make recommendations to the City Council.
Their recommendations are critical, as council members already have their work cut out for them in .
Find out what's happening in Fairfax Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Fairfax residents will have a chance to chime in on what projects they'd like to see funded at the commission's Jan. 9 meeting.
Here's a look at what projects our firefighters hope for:
Find out what's happening in Fairfax Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- New Fire Station 33 Feasibility Study
Fire Chief Dave Rohr hopes to receive funding in FY2013 to look into rebuilding Fire Station No. 33 in a different location. Built in 1979, the station on Fairfax Boulevard and Plantation Parkway is ill-suited for the department's needs, Rohr said. The station isn't suited for today's number of personnel, lacks a sprinkler system in its residential wing and needs proper storage facilities for equipment.
This isn't a new request, Rohr submitted this proposal for funds last CIP cycle. A feasibility study would consider what resources Fairfax City can dedicate to replacing the station's aging infrastructure.
It'd be a long process. If approved, a new fire station wouldn't be completed before 2018.
Price to study: About $50,000 in 2013.
- Security and Sprinklers at Training Center
The Charles F. Seay Public Safety Training Center at the end of Colonial Avenue by the Tank Farm off Pickett could be a huge liability, Rohr said. The facility itself cost over $1 million and stores a large amount of the department's valuable equipment. Rohr wants to add security alarm, fire protection and sprinkler systems at the center to protect the city's investment.
Price to purchase and install: $45,000 in 2013.
- Preemptive Traffic Signals
Preemptive traffic signals give the way of way to fire trucks and ambulances responding to emergencies. The signals interrupt the usual flow of traffic to give fire trucks a green light and stop other vehicles, making it easier for emergency personnel to get where they need to and help prevent accidents.
Some of the city's traffic intersections are outfitted with these signals. The department wants them installed at all intersections.
Price to purchase and install: $56,000 in 2013.
- Dispatch at Training Center
In looking ahead, the department hopes to install IT infrastructure at the Colonial Avenue training center. Firefighters would use the center as a backup center of operations if infrastructure failed at any of the other stations. The project would outfit the center with computer dispatch, radio and alerting systems.
Price to purchase and install: $125,000 in 2014.
- Vehicle Rescue Pad
The department would like to purchase a concrete pad site to train for vehicle accident rescues. Right now the firefighters go to a junkyard or bring old or damaged vehicles to the parking lot at Station 33 to practice vehicle extrication (Jaws of Life) and fire training. The concrete pad would be a dedicated location suited for this type of training. Among over advantages, the pad would provide an easier method of cleaning up the debris and fluids left over in smashing and pulling apart vehicles. And training wouldn't take up parking spaces.
Price to purchase and install: $40,000 in 2014.
Check Patch throughout the week for more big-budget project requests.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.