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Progress Heating Up at New Aldie Fire Facility
Progress Heating Up at New Aldie Fire Facility
By Peyton Tochterman
In the heart of Virginia’s Route 50 corridor, a groundbreaking project is underway that promises to redefine emergency services for the Aldie community.
The $27.37 million, 22,631-square-foot station will be located at 39855
Little River Turnpike near the Gilberts Corner intersection (Route 50 and Route 15). Once constructed, the new station will be utilized by the Aldie Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company and Loudoun County Fire and Rescue personnel.
The construction of a new fire and rescue facility represents not just an upgrade but a transformation in the way the Aldie Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) serves its community.
Established in 1955 by proactive Aldie residents, the AVFD has been the first line of defense against emergencies in a sprawling 40-square-mile area. Today, the department stands on the brink of a new era with the construction of a state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the area’s evolving needs.
Chief Keith Johnson, a fourth-generation firefighter and Fire Chief of Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System, said he’s thrilled about the new station.
“We needed our current system to meet national standards,” he said. “How many stations should we have? Aldie is 35.5 square miles with 6,615 residents. When you call us for an emergency, we need to get to your house in a certain amount of time with the right number of people.
“We need to expand our services in Aldie to not just an engine, Heavy Rescue Squad, and an EMS Unit. Our new facility will have a tanker, and all of our units will be staffed independently. Our new station will do just that.”
The new facility is poised to replace the existing Aldie Fire and Rescue Station with a modern infrastructure that speaks volumes for the community’s commitment to safety and efficiency.
The design of this ambitious project reflects a deep understanding of the demands placed on volunteer fire and rescue services today. It includes apparatus bays, a bunk room, training room, and other specialized areas such as a gear and hose drying area and a breathing apparatus air compressor room.
Moreover, the inclusion of restrooms, showers, food preparation and dining areas, laundry and decontamination areas, and a fitness room underscores a holistic view of the welfare of the volunteers who dedicate their lives to serving the community.
In an era when environmental sustainability is increasingly becoming a priority, the project’s ambition to achieve LEED Silver designation illustrates a forward-thinking approach to construction. This initiative not only underscores the commitment to eco-friendly practices but also ensures that the new fire and rescue facility will be a beacon of sustainability within the community.
Funding comes from a mix of general obligation bond, local tax, and lease revenue financing. The groundbreaking ceremony occurred on November 16, 2023 and as construction progresses, the Grand opening is slated for the summer of 2025.
Residents of Aldie and the surrounding areas watch with anticipation. The new facility is not just a building; it is a pledge of enhanced safety, efficiency, and community service, heralding a new chapter in the storied history of the AVFD.
