Securing Our Community: How Harrisonburg, VA Protects Firefighters and Resources Through Assistance to Firefighters Grant-Funded Fire Sprinkler Retrofits

The Harrisonburg Fire Department in Virginia has achieved a significant milestone in local fire safety and protection standards – ALL their fire stations are protected by automatic fire sprinklers. The Harrisonburg Fire Department successfully secured an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in the 2020 grant cycle, allowing for the retrofit of NFPA 13 fire sprinkler systems in two of the city’s existing fire stations. These retrofits have transformed these critical facilities, ensuring greater safety for both firefighters and the essential resources that serve the community.

Why Fire Sprinklers Matter in Fire Stations

When the Harrisonburg Fire Department examined the safety measures within its stations, there was a need to address fire protection for firefighters and assets alike. Without a fire sprinkler system, these older stations—built to the current code at the time – are at a heightened risk for fire damage.  Potentially impacting “the single most important resource,” the personnel, but also millions of dollars in apparatus and equipment.

“Retrofitting these stations was essential,” Fire Chief Matthew Tobia explained. “It wasn’t just about improving facilities; it was about safeguarding our personnel and the resources that our entire community relies on.”

Fire Station 2 – 3,159 square feet built in 1985 – 3-person staffing, 24 hours a day

Fire Station 3 – 4,010 Square feet built in 2003 – 3-person staffing, 24 hours a day

Lessons Learned

Financial – The grant has a $100,000 dollar limit, so it is important to understand your project scope and estimates going into the application process.  These projects were quoted more than that amount, the additional funding was covered by the city.

Structural – The grant guidance has specific language that does not allow a “change the structure’s footprint or profile.”  In these cases, the modifications that were necessary to accommodate the sprinkler risers were done using City funds and applied to the grant as the required match.

Utility Infrastructure – Coordination with the local water authority is critical.  In these cases, the underground utility work was provided by the City’s water authority and applied to the match.

A Call to Action for Fire Departments Nationwide: Take Steps to Secure a Grant for Your Station

The AFG program, provides essential funding to fire departments seeking to improve their facilities and equipment. Knowing the value of this grant program, Harrisonburg submitted a strong proposal, highlighting the need for station safety, the broader impact on the community should a lost occur, and even some immediate savings on insurance premiums.

The successful completion of Harrisonburg’s fire station fire sprinkler retrofits should serve as an inspiration for fire departments across the country. This example shows what’s possible when proactive safety measures and federal support align. Fire departments that operate in older facilities, especially those without modern fire protection systems, are encouraged to evaluate their current safety standards and consider following in Harrisonburg’s footsteps.

Securing a FIRE Act grant may seem daunting, but the benefits far outweigh the effort. By investing in fire sprinkler retrofits, fire departments can drastically improve facility safety, reduce risks to personnel, and protect costly equipment that communities depend on during emergencies. Fire chiefs and local leaders should consider submitting grant applications that prioritize facility upgrades to bring older stations up to modern safety codes.  New sprinkler systems are considered a high priority the list of eligible modifications to facilities in the current grant guidance.

Harrisonburg’s success story is a clear example of the positive impact these retrofits can have, making it a model that others can replicate to enhance fire station safety and community resilience.  As fire departments consider their own needs for facility improvement, Chief Tobia encourages them to act now: “Retrofitting fire stations is more than an investment in a building; it’s an investment in the safety of the personnel that protect our communities every day. I urge my peers across the country to pursue AFG grants and take proactive steps to modernize and protect their resources.” The 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant application period is open now through December 20, 2024.

In every corner of the nation, fire stations stand ready to answer the call. Let’s ensure they are just as ready to protect the brave men and women who serve within them.

Looking for an NFSA member contractor to partner with on fire sprinkler retrofits in existing stations – https://member.nfsa.org/Directories/Buyers-Guide

For more information, please seek out the Assistance to Firefighter Grant page on the FEMA website Assistance to Firefighters Grants Documents | FEMA.gov