Mayor Bowser Cuts Ribbon on FEMS Engine Company 14

Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser celebrated the modernization of Engine Company 14 at a ribbon cutting for the Ward 5 fire station. The Mayor was joined at the reopening by Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS) Chief Gregory Dean and Department of General Services (DGS) Director Greer Johnson Gillis.
            
“We have made tremendous progress at FEMS over the past two years, and today, the department is stronger and more resilient than it’s been in many years. By investing in the modernization of our systems and facilities, we are ensuring that as DC’s population continues to grow, our city is providing the types and level of service that DC residents deserve,” said Mayor Bowser. “Today, Engine Company 14 is a world-class facility, and I am proud to welcome the hardworking men and women of FEMS back to this incredible station.”

Originally constructed in 1944, Engine Company 14 is located at 4801 North Capitol Street, NE. During the modernization, DGS was able to maintain the historic nature of the building’s large apparatus bay as well as the fire station’s iconic red doors.

The $6.3 million modernization included:

• expansion of the building’s footprint from 8,253 square feet to 12,622 square feet;
• installation of adequate accommodations for female personnel;
• renovation of the locker rooms and showers;
• complete replacement of the existing mechanical (HVAC), electrical, plumbing and communications systems;
• installation of a new exercise room and offices;
• installation of an emergency generator;
• expansion of the kitchen, dining hall, and sitting area;
• installation of a new roof and roof drainage system;
• renovation of the kitchen and replacement of appliances;
• replacement or refurbishment of all windows and doors;
• upgraded utilities and landscaping;
• installation of a new parking area;
• renovation of the sleeping and living quarters;
• installation of a new ADA-compliant public restroom; and
• installation of a biohazard decontamination area.

Additionally, Engine Company 14 is now eco-friendly, energy efficient and designed to meet the LEED Gold Certification.

“While this beautiful building is viewed as a firehouse by most, it is considered a home away from home by the FEMS members who will now have access to some of the most energy efficient, updated amenities found in any firehouse across the country,” said DC Fire and EMS Chief Gregory Dean.

“The modernization of Engine Company 14 provides an opportunity to create a new and more prominent image for a valuable neighborhood facility,” said DGS Director Greer Gillis. “The building’s modern design will set a new benchmark for future engine house renovations.”

The modernization of Engine Company 14 is part of Mayor Bowser’s ongoing commitment to improving DC FEMS. Since 2015, the Bowser Administration has improved the Department by filling critical vacancies and bolstering DC’s previously depleted apparatus fleet. In just two years, the Administration has hired an additional 45 firefighter paramedics and 48 firefighter EMTs and put 34 new or refurbished ambulances and 12 new or refurbished ladder trucks and engines on the street.