At RQAW | DCCM, we are dedicated to designing public safety facilities that serve both the firefighters and the communities they protect. One of our largest and most recently completed fire station projects is Westfield Fire Station No. 81. Completed in 2023, this new 36,000-sf. state-of-the-art facility reflects our commitment to creating functional spaces that prioritize safety, efficiency, and the well-being of first responders.
Westfield Fire Station No. 81 was constructed to meet the growing needs of the community after the fire department outgrew its previous facility. Our designers worked closely with the City of Westfield to ensure the new fire station could handle current demands while preparing for future growth. The station is equipped with eight pull-through apparatus bays, including two dedicated maintenance bays to allow the fire department to service its fleet on-site and reduce vehicle downtime. Additionally, a unique decontamination room was incorporated into the design to safely decontaminate and clean equipment after emergency responses, ensuring the health and safety of the firefighters.
The station’s living quarters are designed with the well-being of the firefighters in mind. Unlike traditional bunk rooms, Westfield Fire Station No. 81 includes 17 individual sleeping rooms, each offering privacy and personal space. The communal areas, including the kitchen, dining room, and tiered-seating dayroom, are all visually connected and arranged to create a welcoming environment where the team can interact and relax between runs. Additionally, the facility features an administrative wing, a breakroom, a training room, a baby box, and a fitness room with an all-glass overhead door for direct exterior access, allowing workouts to be completed in natural light and fresh air.
One of the key components of the station’s design includes a three-story training tower constructed on the backside of the fire station, offering a variety of tools and techniques for firefighter training. From practicing repelling techniques to confined space rescue scenarios, the training tower is an integral part of preparing firefighters for real-world challenges.
At RQAW | DCCM, we take pride in delivering designs that are tailored to the unique needs of each community we serve. With its modern technology and enhanced resources, this fire station ensures that Westfield firefighters are equipped to serve and protect their community for many years to come. The new Westfield Fire Station No. 81 is another example of RQAW | DCCM’s commitment to helping our clients build thriving communities.
