Glenham Firehouse Expansion & Modernization Project

Planning for Our Future. Protecting Our Community. Keeping You Informed.

The Glenham Fire District is continuing its efforts to evaluate the future needs of our aging firehouse and the potential expansion and modernization of our existing facility.

For decades, our firehouse has served as the center of emergency response for the Glenham community. However, as firefighting equipment, apparatus, safety requirements, and operational needs have evolved, the limitations of our existing building have become increasingly apparent.

Our goal is to explore practical, responsible improvements that will provide our volunteer firefighters with the facilities necessary to safely and effectively serve our community, both today and for generations to come.

More Than an Expansion — A Commitment to Safety, Health, and Modern Standards

An important component of this project is addressing significant improvements in firefighter health and safety, environmental conditions, building functionality, and compliance with modern construction and safety requirements.

Many of today's recognized fire service standards and recommended safety practices were established or substantially advanced long after our existing firehouse was originally constructed.

The proposed modernization is being evaluated with consideration of applicable New York State building and fire codes, occupational safety requirements, including OSHA-equivalent protections administered through New York State's Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) program, and relevant National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and recommendations.

Important considerations include improved apparatus accommodations, vehicle exhaust management, firefighter decontamination facilities, proper storage of protective equipment, and appropriate separation of potentially contaminated operational areas from clean spaces.

Environmental health and indoor air quality are equally important considerations. The project will evaluate modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems with appropriate environmental controls to support healthier indoor conditions throughout the facility. These improvements may include enhanced ventilation and filtration, temperature and humidity management, improved air distribution, and properly designed separation and exhaust of areas where airborne contaminants may be present.

Such systems can help reduce exposure to vehicle emissions and other potentially harmful contaminants, improve firefighter comfort and well-being, control moisture-related concerns, and provide more consistent environmental conditions throughout the building. Modern HVAC equipment and controls can also contribute to improved energy efficiency and reduced long-term operating costs.

Additionally, significant changes in New York State building, fire, accessibility, and energy conservation requirements introduce design and construction considerations that must be evaluated as part of any substantial renovation or expansion.

These improvements are not simply about providing additional space or conveniences. They are about creating a healthier, safer, more functional, and sustainable environment for our volunteer firefighters while addressing the evolving requirements and expectations of a modern emergency services facility.

A Responsible Approach to a Significant Investment

We recognize that a project of this magnitude represents a substantial financial commitment for the taxpayers of the Glenham Fire District. That responsibility remains a central consideration throughout the planning process.

Our current approach focuses on evaluating opportunities to expand, renovate, and repurpose portions of our existing firehouse rather than pursuing an entirely new facility.

Working with architectural and other professional advisors, we continue to evaluate operational needs, design alternatives, construction requirements, preliminary costs, and potential funding sources.

Identifying opportunities to control construction expenses, pursuing available grants and outside financial assistance, and minimizing the eventual impact on local taxpayers are important priorities.

No final construction plan or financial commitment should be assumed from the preliminary information presented to date. Project concepts, anticipated costs, timelines, and funding approaches may evolve as planning progresses.

An Ongoing Community Conversation

During the summer of 2026, the Fire District initiated a series of community engagement opportunities, including four public workshops, to introduce the challenges facing our existing facility, present preliminary concepts, and invite residents to share their questions, concerns, and suggestions.

These discussions represented an important step in the initial planning process, but community involvement does not end there.

We believe that residents and taxpayers deserve meaningful access to information throughout this process, including an understanding of the facility's limitations, the reasons improvements are being considered, the available alternatives, and the potential financial implications.

Your Source for Project Information and Updates

We have established this dedicated webpage to provide residents, property owners, and other interested community members with a central location to follow the progress of the proposed Glenham Firehouse Expansion & Modernization Project.

As the project develops, this page will serve as a repository for relevant information, including:

• Project Updates: Important announcements, planning developments, and milestones.

• Architectural Plans & Supporting Documents: Preliminary concepts, design revisions, facility assessments, and supporting materials.

• Safety, Health & Building Improvements: Information about operational deficiencies, applicable codes, firefighter health and safety initiatives, environmental controls, and proposed modernization measures.

• Financial Information: Available construction estimates, financing considerations, potential grant opportunities, and projected taxpayer impacts.

• Public Meetings & Community Engagement: Notices, presentations, workshop materials, and opportunities for public input.

• Project Timeline: Anticipated next steps and important decisions as the process advances.

Previously Released Information

For those who were unable to attend our initial community engagement sessions, or who wish to revisit the information presented, the original supporting documents remain available for public review.

View Supporting Documents from Our 2026 Community Engagement Sessions

Additional information and updated documents will be posted as they become available.

Your Voice Continues to Matter

The Glenham Fire District belongs to the community it serves. We believe open communication and public participation are essential to making informed decisions about an investment of this importance.

We encourage residents to visit this page periodically, review new information, participate in future public discussions, and contact us with questions, concerns, or suggestions.

Comments and inquiries may be directed to the Glenham Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners at bofc@glenhamfire.com.

Thank you for your continued interest and support as we work together to plan responsibly for the future of emergency services in Glenham.

Glenham Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners

To Aid and Save