During the design process for the new fire station in Middleton, Wis., Chief Aaron Harris was determined to “attract, train and retain” professional volunteer firefighters. And Station No. 1 has done just that, with training and educational space for several courses including certified firefighter, driver operator, aerial operator and hazmat courses.

“Since moving into our new home away from home, we have added over 40 new men and women to the ranks,” Harris said. “Building such an environment into the fire station has made it easier on our recruits and has helped us grow to over 115 firefighters, rehab technicians and Fire Corps Personnel.”

Harris and the architectural team from Short Elliott Hendrickson opened the design process with input from all district personnel, and the input was forthcoming.

“As far as we knew, no one had ever attempted to pull off such a ‘Field of Dreams’ concept,” Harris said. “Fortunately, a light went on in the minds of those empowered to make our dreams come to fruition. Together, we have all found that it is true — if you build it, they will come!”

According to SEH Project Leader Robert Krzyzanowski, incorporating all the staff input proved to be quite a challenge.

“I am proud that we were able to achieve exactly what they wanted. I am also extremely proud of the response the station has received from the entire community and the history of the department that the building displays throughout the halls,” he said. “I learned that firefighters are extremely proud of the history of their department, and it shows throughout this building.”

That history is highlighted in the front atrium, which features a department bell from 1901 and its first motorized fire truck, a 1923 Ford Model T. In addition, the walls are covered with replicated meeting minutes dating back to 1901.

“I have been to the building quite a few times since they opened the doors, and there always is a tour going on,” Krzyzanowski said. “People love reading the first minutes of the fire company on the walls, looking at all of the different pictures throughout the building.”

In the process of building Station No. 1, Harris was given the go ahead to construct a satellite station, which is the same except for the dimensions. Harris said if the department was to build another station, it would be more environmentally friendly.

“I could see us looking toward more eco-friendly technologies such as geothermal heating and cooling to help make our already energy-efficient facilities (currently $0.13 per square foot) that much more efficient,” Harris said.

Harris is thrilled with his new station and the affect it’s having on his personnel. “You have to see it to believe it,” he said. “We're living a firefighter's dream and we can't thank the people we serve enough for allowing us to do so.”