Register to attend this webinar on Thursday, July 17 at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET by completing the “Register for this FireRescue1 Webinar” box on this page!
Building or renovating a station is a once-in-a-generation investment, and the questions you ask up front can determine whether the design serves your crew for decades to come. In this candid webinar, a public safety-focused architect and fire service leaders will answer your most common — and most overlooked — questions to put on the table from day one. From working with stakeholders to incorporating design strategies that support firefighter health and wellness, you’ll learn how to achieve your project’s goals and objectives. Additionally, attendees will receive a downloadable checklist of must-ask questions so you can head to your next design meeting with confidence. Register today to secure your seat and make sure your station design starts with the right conversation.
Meet the panelists
Christopher Kehde is a design principal with FGMA, where he serves as an executive vice president and managing director of the Reston, Virginia, office and the Mid-Atlantic region. Kehde is a recognized thought leader in biophilic and human-centric design, focusing on the human experience and design solutions that promote health and wellness. He has worked on a variety of project types throughout his career, including many public safety facilities.
Richard Mikel has served as fire chief of the Elk Grove Village (Illinois) Fire Department since 2012. Mikel earned a master’s degree in public safety administration from Southern Illinois University and a leadership certificate from North Central College, and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. He is certified as a Chief Fire Officer by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and is credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer by the Commission on Professional Credentialing. Mikel has received many awards and recognitions over his career, including Illinois Fire Chief of the Year in 2018. He is a past president of the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association and formerly served as a member of the Elections Committee for the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
John Jeniec Jr. began his fire service career in 1998 at the age of 16, the earliest age one can become a volunteer firefighter with the Orlean Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department in Fauquier County, Virginia. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become fire chief, gaining valuable leadership and operational experience. During his tenure, he played a key role in the design and construction of the department’s new fire station, which was completed in April 2019 and stands as a lasting asset to the community. After earning his degree from Bridgewater College, Jeniec joined the City of Fairfax Fire Department in 2007. He has since advanced to the rank of battalion chief. Jeniec served as station captain during the construction phase of Fire Station 433. In that role, he collaborated closely with department officials, architects, and contractors to ensure the station met the operational needs of the department, delivering a modern facility designed for both efficiency and longevity.
Matt Sabo serves as fire chief for the Concord Township Fire Department in Lake County, Ohio. He joined Concord Township in 1999 and has progressed from firefighter/paramedic to EMS coordinator, lieutenant and ultimately chief. Sabo guided the design and construction of the new 22,600-square-foot Station 1, breaking ground in February 2022 and opening for service in October 2023. Sabo has a bachelor’s degree in public safety management.
Register to attend this webinar by completing the “Register for this FireRescue1 Webinar” box 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 designs spaces for learning, protecting and connecting. Our architects have a deep interest in keeping your firefighters healthy, well-trained, rested and ready through intentional design services. With more than 80 years of experience bringing each client’s vision to life, FGMA rises to the challenge of protecting our protectors.
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, build, 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!
As a third-generation, family-owned business, MacroAir knows the importance of keeping people safe, cool and performing at their best. They invented the High Volume, Low Speed (HVLS) fan in 1998 to solve the problem of cows overheating and producing less milk. MacroAir’s creation of the HVLS fan marked the beginning of a revolutionary new industry. That same spirit of innovation now supports first responders and hardworking professionals in demanding environments. Proudly built in the USA, MacroAir fans deliver reliable comfort and performance — because staying cool isn’t just a luxury, it’s essential for everyone on the job.