Register for this event by completing the “Register for the FireRescue1 webinar” form on this page.
What: 75-minute webinar, Building better stations on a tighter budget
When: Aug. 26, 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET
Why: Whether you’re replacing an aging station, building your department’s first facility or planning for future expansion, the toughest decisions often aren’t about what to include — they’re about what to prioritize, what to phase and where it’s safe to compromise.
Join our panel of fire service leaders for a practical discussion on designing stations that deliver long-term value even when funding is limited. Learn how experienced chiefs have navigated difficult trade-offs while protecting firefighter safety, operational effectiveness and future flexibility.
The panel will discuss:
- Prioritizing mission-critical features when funding is limited
- Making smart value engineering decisions without sacrificing operations
- Identifying cost-saving opportunities that preserve long-term value
- Lessons learned from trade-offs chiefs regret — and those they do not
- Communicating budget realities to elected officials, stakeholders and firefighters
Register today to learn practical strategies, real-world examples and lessons to help you make informed decisions and build a station that will serve your department for decades to come.
Meet the panelists
Chief Josh Waldo has served as fire chief for the Bozeman (Montana) Fire Department since 2015. Waldo is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and holds three professional designations from the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Waldo is the immediate past president of the IAFC.
Chief Eric Hall has served as the director of public safety for the City of Des Peres, Missouri, since 2018. Hall is graduate of the Executive Fire Officer Program through the National Fire Academy, and designated as a Chief Fire Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.
Tabitha Vande Voort is a grant professional with extensive experience in public safety and emergency services. As a manager of Grant Services at Lexipol, she supports public safety agencies, municipalities and nonprofits in securing funding. Her expertise has helped law enforcement, fire/EMS and city governments obtain over $50 million in federal, state and local grants. Before joining Lexipol, Tabitha served as a firefighter and paramedic, achieving the rank of lieutenant. Her credentials include Fire Instructor, Fire Investigator, Fire Inspector and Fire Officer I & II certifications.
Moderator: Fire Chief Jason Caughey is a member of the FireRescue1 Editorial Advisory Board, serving as a senior fire advisor. He has been in the fire service for more than 20 years, serving in many capacities, including state trainer, volunteer firefighter, fire captain and volunteer fire chief. Caughey currently serves as fire chief of the Laramie County Fire Authority (LCFA) in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Register for this event by completing the “Register for the FireRescue1 webinar” form on this page.
About the sponsors
Air Vacuum Corporation’s AIRVAC 911 Engine Exhaust Removal System protects 100% of your bay area by automatically monitoring your station 24/7 to constantly remove hazardous contaminants. Our 360-degree airflow design continuously eliminates exhaust dead spots and captures toxins without hoses, vehicle attachments or tail pipe connections. Each AIRVAC 911 unit features a 4-stage filtration system with chemically treated carbon and activated carbon filters. A MERV-16 rated filter removes contaminant particles as small as 0.3 microns. No building modifications, ducting or external exhaust fans. No interference with daily operations or response time. Energy efficient LEED/Green design. NFPA 1500/OSHA/GSA-compliant. For a free proposal, visit airvac911.com or call (800) 540-7264.
FGM Architects partners with fire departments and municipalities to create public safety facilities that strengthen emergency response, support firefighter health and wellness, and serve communities for decades to come. From feasibility studies and station assessments to new stations, renovations and training facilities, our collaborative approach balances operational needs, budget realities and long-term flexibility. We work alongside first responders to design environments that improve readiness, enhance recruitment and retention, and help departments adapt to the evolving demands of public safety.
At GearGrid, we’re committed to creating tough, reliable storage systems tailored to the needs of first responders. Our goal is simple: to keep your gear prepared, organized, and easily accessible when the call to action comes. We proudly support American manufacturing, with every product thoughtfully designed, built, and tested at our facility in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Strong customer relationships are the foundation of what we do, and we’re here to support you throughout your entire project. Ready to get started? Visit www.GearGrid.com and see how GearGrid can make a difference for your department!
US Digital Designs (USDD), a subsidiary of Honeywell International, specializes in the Phoenix G2 Fire Station Alerting and Automated Dispatch Systems. This innovative system delivers text-to-speech alerts through high-contrast message signs and speakers, enhancing emergency response efficiency. Configurable for each station’s needs, it also prioritizes first responders’ health with ramped lighting/tones and zoned alerting. Based in Tempe, AZ, USDD has been in operation since 2003, with over 6,000 installations in North America. Following its acquisition by Honeywell Technologies in 2022, USDD continues to be a market leader advancing product innovations for enhanced health, safety and situational awareness.