A plan more than 20 years in the making finally became a reality when firefighters at the Fairfax Center Fire and Rescue Station 40 responded to their first calls, June 12.
Members of the Fairfax Board of Supervisors realized the need for the station back in the 1980s, said Supervisor Elaine McConnell (R-Springfield) at the station’s grand opening ceremony, Saturday, July 8. Estimates indicated a significant increase in population in the county by 2025, and the station finally opened with a little less than 20 years to spare.
“I’ve been advocating this fire house since 1985,” said McConnell. “I am very happy to see it happen.”
Because of the high-density neighborhoods near the station, McConnell said the community should be able to sleep a little better knowing safety personnel were located so close to home. She said she speaks from experience because she lives near Station 27.
“When I broke my leg particularly, I can tell you it’s great,” said McConnell.
THE 6-ACRE, 24,195 square foot station, at 4621 Legato Road, is the largest fire and rescue station in the county. It has five drive-through bays for its trucks, including an engine, tower truck, advanced life support medical unit, a command vehicle and two hazardous materials units. Board of Supervisors Chair Gerry Connolly (D-At-large) said at the ceremony how more than 900 hazardous materials calls after Sept. 11 prompted supervisors to devise a plan to create a more sufficient response team for such calls. The specially trained units will serve as the housing command unit for the entire county.
“This is going to keep Fairfax County safe,” said Connolly, “because of your [taxpayers'] investment in this facility.”
Officials are also bragging about the facility’s sustainable, or green, design features. Connolly said the building is the first green building in the county to be funded entirely by the county. As a result of natural lighting, recycled and non-toxic building materials, reflective roofing materials, a biological retention pond and other features, the station will be 25 to 30 percent more energy efficient, said Connolly.
“We’re looking to do that in more of our public facilities,” said Planning Commission Chair Pete Murphy (Springfield). “We need to do more of green building.”
Since the station officially opened on June 12, it has responded to more than 300 calls. That proves, according to Fire Chief Michael Neuhard, that the station is an important addition to Fairfax County.
“This is going to be a busy station,” said Neuhard. “There is a real need for a station in this location in this community.”
Since the station serves as the hazardous materials command unit for the entire county, its coverage area and responsibility are greater than a typical station, said Capt. Milton Painter, Station 40 commander. That is why it can accommodate up to 25 emergency personnel per 24-hour shift, including eight women. The women who work there enjoy a separate bunkroom area, with private lockers and bathrooms. Firefighter Alyssa Slotkin said the building is great.
“It’s gorgeous,” said Slotkin. “It’s really state of the art.”
The station is also responsible for the Fairfax County Government Center, located just around the corner.
“This will serve our new community well,” said McConnell.