"Mistakes to Avoid" by Captain Don Collins, Clemson University Fire Department

Captain Collins will share a number of his extensive collection of fire station related photos to illustrate common and not so common mistakes and oversights found in fire stations across North America. The examples provided by Captain Collins will help prepare the viewer for the rest of the symposium’s presentations. More importantly, it will underscore the importance of a fire department doing its homework before making a capital investment that must be lived with for decades.

"Tips on Getting Started" by Ken Newell, Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects

The Essentials, The Process, and Avoiding Change Orders: Whether your project is a new station or a renovation to your existing facility, Ken Newell will discuss the essential pre-planning that must be performed to deliver a successful project that finishes at or below budget. This presentation will explain what you should expect during pre-planning, design, and construction. Ken will offer strategies for avoiding those costly "Change Orders".

“A Special Presentation by the Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation” by Cindy Ell & Rob Ostop, Fire Fighter Cancer Foundation

Cindy Ell and Rob Ostop will be discussing a culture change in viewing the fire station as not merely a building to house equipment and personnel, but rather a safe community center. The firehouses of the future should create a healthy living and work environment that protects personnel from the movement of diseases and contaminates into their living quarters. The firefighter also serves as a transporter of contaminates. Cindy, Rob, and representatives of the Orlando Fire Department will conduct an interactive exchange that discusses new technology incorporated into firehouse design and shows positive progression from historic style fire buildings to the future of firehouse structures. We can encourage the design of safe life zones for personnel through the identification of health risks.   Architectural discussion will include the impact of building costs and application of sound energy usage. Time will be allotted for group discussion and Q&A.

"Combined Heat and Power/Microturbines for Back-up Electricity and Hot Water on Site" by Keith Pehl, Optima Engineering

What is a CHP/Microturbine? Keith will explain what this technology is all about. For example, it can double as an emergency back-up power source, a peak-shaving power device, and a hot water generator for domestic hot water needs. This is not new technology, but it is being used in more novel ways, and as power and fuel costs increase, it is becoming more economical in many ways. He will explore the paybacks and costs as well.

"Tips on Infection Control in the Fire Station" by Captain Brad Kobielusz, Poudre Fire Authority

The fire station can be a haven for MRSA, Hepatitis (A, B, & C), cyanide, petroleum residue, bed bugs and many other forms of infection. Captain Kobielusz will share information on cases that have closed fire stations and placed firefighters out of work. The cause of infection is enabled by bad design and/or furnishings. He will conclude the presentation with several recommendations to minimize infection in the fire station.

"Sensory Stations" by Lynn Reda, Hughes Gorup Architects

This presentation will address the relationship between the firefighters and their building, giving you a better understanding of how the design of the building and its systems affects and enhances the experience and your ability to manage the experience. Included is the evolution of sustainability, changes in technology, and building automation.

"Tips to Improve Safety in the Fire Station" by Kevin Roche, Phoenix Fire Department

To the surprise of many, firefighter injuries in the station occur at a very alarming rate. In fact, many departments experience as many injuries in the station as they do on emergency incidents. This presentation will provide simple, but often overlooked, ways to make existing and new stations safer for firefighters and the public. In turn, this reduces the workers’ compensation costs.

"Tips on Apparatus Bays" by Tom Lee, Samaha Architects

The apparatus bay is the one common denominator in all stations. Yet, few are well thought out. Learn tips on: bay dimensions, layout of apparatus in the bays, apparatus requirements (clear heights, widths, weights, turning radius, trailers, snow plows blades, etc.), auxiliary equipment (ice machines, battery charging, turn out gear, hose storage, etc.), day lighting, contaminate control (lowered slab elevations, ramps, walk off mats, decon), utilities (quick fills, shore lines, compressed air, etc.), CO removal systems, drainage (trench drains, floor slope), HVAC, sprinklers, lighting (striking time, layout, energy efficiency, color), bay doors and stacking areas (including overhead, and fourfold, and controls), bollards, acoustical, and many other concerns.

"Sustainability Measurement and Verification Systems For Energy, Gas and Water Usage" by Keith Pehl, Optima Engineering

A "Building Dashboard" is a very practical method for confirming that all of your sustainable efforts in design and construction actually pay off. Keith will explain what is meant by a “Building Dashboard” and how it functions and the information it can provide. A Building Dashboard can reduce the use of resources and thus lower costs. He will explain the best ways to incorporate a Building Dashboard into a facility. Building dashboards show real time resource use and can be used to track implemented Energy Conservation Measures.

"Construction Documents through Punch List: How to Control the Process for a Design/Bid/Build Project" by Bob Mitchell, Mitchell Associates Architects

Bob will cover 3 key areas for controlling the construction project.

• 1. Documents: How to create a thorough set of drawings and specifications that protect and control the project; particular elements of the drawings and specifications that control the process; what constitutes a detailed estimate of cost; "or equal"; the goals of building in alternates; and contingencies.
• 2. Bidding: Maximizing the number of bidders; addenda; and evaluating bidders.
• 3. Construction: Controlling the project to build on time and on budget; submittals and testing; purpose and power of RFI’s; meeting minutes; CO’s; pay requisitions; change orders; and the punch list.

"Station Construction Pitfalls and Pleasures — A Fire Chief’s Perspective" by Chief William Taaffe, North Port Fire Rescue District

Chief Taaffe will share his experiences in working with public officials, architects, contractors and the community in building new stations or renovating existing station. He will also discuss the differences between "design/build versus design/bid/build". This presentation will provide you with the information you need to survive the process and be viewed as a true professional to the citizens of your community.

"Building a 75-Year, Low-Maintenance Station" by Ken Newell, Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects

Considering the future needs of your department are essential when designing a new fire station. During this presentation, Ken Newell will explore several ways in which you can design and build a station that is as maintenance free and long lasting as possible. Ken will take an in-depth look at a fire station’s site components, exterior building components, interior building components and how you can plan them for future growth. Also considered will be important criteria for selecting your public safety design firm. If your department is planning to build, this course is a must!

"F.I.E.R.O. Design Awards Program" by Captain Blake Redden, Charlotte Fire Department & Staff Architect Jim Zwerg, Phoenix Fire Department

Captain Blake Redden, who also has a degree in architecture, will present the winners of the annual F.I.E.R.O. awards program. This is an educational opportunity as Captain Redden will go over the comments made by the jury in the awards selection.
(All of the award entries will be on display throughout the symposium).

"Green Make-Overs for Existing Stations" by Keith Pehl, Optima Engineering and Ken Newell, Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects

Why should you be interested in incorporating "sustainable" elements and practices into your existing facility? How can doing so save money? Ken and Keith will provide discuss the "greening" of a facility that is already built. They will look at some of the items that make sense for a fire/rescue facility and that actually have a financial pay-back. Many fire departments have probably done the low hanging fruit, so this presentation will discuss the next steps in greening your fire/rescue facility.

“Remaining Operational Through Catastrophic Events: The Hardened Station” by James R. Kirkpatrick, FAIA, Kirkpatrick Architecture Studio and Chief Roy Robichaux, Superintendent, Fire Department, Plaquemines Parish, LA

Planning and designing the station of the future to withstand hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and seismic events, Jim and Chief Robichaux utilize firsthand experience from both the end user and the design professional to provide you with guidance and solutions to consider when designing your station. No department is safe from weather extremes and natural disasters, but there are steps you can take in the early design stages to maximize the strength of your facility and your department’s ability to remain functional both during and after the event.

“ADA Requirements for Fire Stations” by Mark D. Shoemaker, AIA, LEED AP, CR architecture + design

ADA presents unique challenges for fire stations as firefighters typically do not have disabilities. This presentation will show you the best ways to comply with minimal expense and without disrupting the routine use of the station. The presentation will highlight recent changes to ADA requirements.

"Station Alerting" by Dawn Matheny, Westnet/First-In Fire Station Alerting

Technology and education has led to a transformation of alerting station personnel of a call. Dawn Matheny will provide insight into the many features of today's alerting systems. This will include voice and text notification, computer aided dispatch, pre-announcements, dormitory alerting, lighting, stove kill switches, doorbells, NFPA requirements, and--yes, health and safety. These systems can be retro-fitted to existing stations.

"Delivering Pride" by Captain Don Collins, Clemson University Fire Department

Captain Collins will conclude the formal presentations of the symposium with a capstone presentation about having fire stations that are the pride of the fire department AND the community. The presentation will show examples to illustrate the importance critical thinking and informed design can have in building a fire facility that enhances the community and reinforces the value of the fire service to the public.

"One-on-One Time with the Experts"

This is a new feature for this year’s symposium. On the last day (Wednesday), following the last formal presentation, the speakers will remain for you to discuss YOUR individual questions and issues. This "special time" will start at 11:00 a.m. and continue until no later than 1:00 p.m.