F.I.E.R.O. Station Design Symposium

H2M IS PRESENTING SEVERAL EVENTS:

→ NFPA 1585
→ Vehicle Exhaust Extraction Systems 101
→ Solutions to Impossible Sites
→ HVAC 101 Making the Right Selection
→ Station of the Future

In this session, Dennis Ross, AIA shares his experience as a member of the NFPA Technical Committee tasked with developing NFPA 1585, a groundbreaking standard for contamination control in emergency services facilities. Attendees will learn about the origins and evolution of the standard, its unique features, and its integration with existing codes. Special focus is given to Chapter 5, which guides designers in creating safe, compliant new and renovated projects. The presentation also highlights the collaborative efforts behind the standard and its anticipated impact on the fire service. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of NFPA 1585’s objectives, structure, and practical implications for station design and operations.

Led by Patrick Stone, R.A., LEED AP, this session explores why VEX systems are essential for removing harmful engine emissions linked to cancer and respiratory illness in the fire service. Attendees will gain insight into the codes, standards, and mandates governing these systems, as well as the various technologies available to achieve compliance. Through real-life examples and case studies, the presentation highlights the advantages and disadvantages of different system types, installation and maintenance best practices, and cost considerations.

Presented by Dennis A. Ross, AIA, this session tackles the challenges of building or renovating fire stations on sites with extreme constraints, whether due to zoning, environmental features, or future development plans. Through a series of compelling case studies, attendees will discover how creative thinking and strategic planning can turn seemingly unworkable parcels into cost-effective, operationally sound facilities. The presentation covers trends in site utilization, the importance of early decision-making, and strategies for future flexibility. Participants will learn how to communicate project scope and goals, assess site sustainability, and leverage unique land features to their advantage.

Presented by Patrick Stone, R.A., LEED AP, and Joseph Balicki, P.E., this session demystifies the complexities of modern Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems for public safety facilities. As HVAC technologies evolve, decision-makers face a growing array of options, each with unique benefits and challenges. This presentation equips attendees with foundational knowledge to navigate the selection process, covering topics such as initial costs, return on investment, cross-contamination mitigation, and COVID-related considerations.

Join Patrick O. Stone, R.A., LEED AP and Dennis A. Ross, AIA as they envision the fire station of tomorrow. This forward-looking session examines the impact of emerging trends, such as electric vehicles, net-zero buildings, advanced IT, and green infrastructure on public safety facilities. Attendees will explore how innovations like biometrics, drones, robotics, and virtual reality are reshaping station design, operations, and responder well-being. The presentation addresses challenges related to codes, ordinances, battery storage, and occupational safety, while offering strategies for retrofitting existing stations and planning new ones. Through a blend of industry insights and practical examples, participants will gain a roadmap for adapting to future technologies and creating resilient, sustainable stations.