F.I.E.R.O. (Fire Industry Equipment Research Organization,) in partnership with the IAFC and co-sponsor FireRescue Magazine, is offering an affordable 1 ½ day symposium on fire stations. The eighth annual event will be November 1st and 2nd at the Charlotte Fire Department Training Academy in Charlotte, NC. The symposium starts on Sunday afternoon with exhibits, station tours, and a reception. Monday is a full day of educational sessions. The Charlotte Fire Department will provide shuttle service from the host hotel to the Training Academy.
The design and construction of a fire station are a major undertaking and investment for any community. If mistakes are made, it could be very costly or something you must live with for decades. Did you know that the maintenance and operating of a fire station cost far more than the initial construction? Did you know there are many things you can do with design and materials to minimize the long-term costs? There are definitely better ways to spend taxpayer or fund-raising money than on up-keep. Considering the initial capital outlay and on-going costs, it is crucial that fire departments have a base level of knowledge on the fire station design, construction and the overall process.
To help fire departments get the best value for the dollars, this year’s event is designed to be very affordable in difficult economic times. The registration fee is only $79 and includes Monday lunch, morning and afternoon breaks, an informational CD, a t-shirt and other items. The host hotel, newly renovated Hyatt Place, is offering a special discount of only $79 per night for attendees, that includes continental breakfast, free airport shuttle, free wi-fi, sleeper-sofa, and a 42” high-def TV in every room.
The program will include the following:
1. “Avoiding Mistakes” and “Ideas that Work” by Don Collins of the Clemson University Fire Department (and retired Professor from the Clemson University College of Architecture). Don’s passion is fire stations and he has more station photos than anyone alive. His photos will illustrate the things to avoid as well as the things to consider.
2. “Getting Started” by Ken Newell. This presentation will discuss the architect’s responsibilities, design issues, and how to select an architect. Ken’s firm, Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects, has designed more stations than anyone else in North America. In addition, Chief Jeff Cash of the Cherryville Fire Department (NC) will join with Ken to discuss his experience on how to apply and take advantage of USDA grants.
3. “Maintaining Control of the Construction Process” by Greg Gilbert of Bignell-Watkins-Hasser Architects. The key elements of this session include bidding documents, bidding and negotiations process, construction contracts and documents, and the construction phase. The session will cover pre-qualifying bidders and the pros and cons of competitive bids-lump sum-fixed fee, competitive bid-negotiated fee, cost plus fixed fee, and design build.
4. “Building Green” by Greg Gilbert and Jim Zwerg, staff architect with the Phoenix Fire Department. Greg and Jim will discuss the role of the architect and the fire department when building green. They will cover LEED certification—going green with and without certification, the costs, the true advantages, and the end results.
5. “Cost Effective Station Furnishings”. Jim Zwerg will cover what is often an afterthought with many departments. He will discuss his vast experience about how they get the best value in furnishings selection and purchasing.
6. “Creating Value” by Dennis Ross of Pacheco Ross Architects. Dennis will discuss value and how it starts with the inception of the project. He will cover how to create an owner’s team, i.e., a building committee, the architect, the contractor and all the other stakeholders. He will demonstrate how value can be created in the design process, materials, systems, sustainability and a host of other concepts. A case study will be reviewed.
7. “Keeping Costs to a Minimum for a Maintenance Free Durable Station”. Ken Newell will enlighten you with ideas to minimize costs that include site components, exterior components, and interior components including bays, apparatus support areas, lobbies and corridors, offices, training and community rooms, day rooms, kitchens, bath rooms, bedrooms, locker rooms, etc.
The symposium will conclude with a Q & A session with all the speakers. Also, the Annual Station Design Awards Program winners will be announced. This is a learning experience as there will be an explanation of why a design is a winner.
The cost of attending this symposium is a “drop in the ocean” compared to the costs of constructing and maintaining a fire station. Please take advantage of this opportunity. Full details and on-line registration can be found at www.fierofirestation.com.