Saint Leonard Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company
MW Studios designed a brand new, cutting-edge fire station for Calvert County designed to meet the diverse needs of modern firefighting and emergency response services. This project aims to provide the community with a reliable and efficient facility that accommodates the station’s operational requirements and serves as a prototype for future fire stations in the surrounding area. The proposed fire station spans an expansive 40,000 square feet, making it spacious enough to accommodate all essential program elements seamlessly. The design includes two stories to maximize space utilization, with eight drive-through bays for quick deployment of the apparatus, ensuring rapid response times in critical situations.
Safety and preparedness are at the forefront of the vision for this fire station. The facility will feature a training/storage mezzanine, facilitating ongoing training for personnel and convenient storage of essential equipment and resources. Advanced Tier 1 and 2 decontamination facilities are strategically placed off the apparatus bays to safeguard the health and well-being of the responders when returning to the station from hazardous situations.
The living quarters within the station are located on the second floor and will provide accommodation for 30 beds, including ten live-in bunks. To add an element of excitement and tradition, a fire pole will be installed to provide an alternative rapid exit from the living quarters to the ground floor. The fire station will house a 144-seat training room equipped with modern audio-visual systems to promote professional growth and learning, fostering a conducive environment for educational programs and workshops. There is also a bull-pen style work area within the living areas of the station that gives space for the live-ins and volunteers to do work during their downtime between calls.
Preserving the spirit of firefighting history, the station will include a historic apparatus museum lobby, showcasing vintage firefighting equipment and honoring the legacy of our courageous predecessors. A commercial kitchen was incorporated into the design to provide a way to conduct community outreach events and serve food during any type of event.
