Schoharie Fire Station

HEA designed the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems for a new $6.4M, 20,300 SF fire station. The 60-member volunteer fire department lost its previous headquarters due to flooding from Tropical Storm Irene. 

The new station includes eight apparatus bays as well as a radio room, an exercise room, offices, living quarters, locker rooms, a laundry facility, commercial kitchen, community/meeting/training space, and various storage and support spaces.

HVAC is provided by air handling units with DX and hot water coils, as well as an in-floor radiant heat system that serves the apparatus bays. An LP-fired boiler plant was provided to serve the AHUs and radiant in-floor system. A VAV distribution system serves the office, living and training areas. Care was taken to maintain negative pressures in rooms containing SCBA filling equipment, breathing air modules and used turnout gear. Dedicated make-up air and kitchen hood exhaust systems were provided for the commercial kitchen. Work in the apparatus bays also included general exhaust as well as a make-up air to accommodate the vehicle exhaust capture equipment.

HEA also sized and coordinated the building’s electric and water services, and designed all aspects of the building’s normal and emergency power; lighting; fire alarm; domestic hot and cold water; drainage, waste and venting systems. A compressed air system was also included to serve the apparatus bays.

The new facility was funded primarily by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which provided project oversight during the design and construction phases.