Two FGMA Fire Stations Win 2025 F.I.E.R.O. Awards

Two fire stations designed by FGMA received national recognition in the 2025 F.I.E.R.O. Fire Station Design Awards. Arlington Fire Station 8 earned the Honor Award (the program’s highest distinction) and Godfrey Fire Protection District House No. 1 and Administration received a Recognition Award. Both projects redefine what it means to serve: creating architecture that reflects courage, equity and care for the communities they protect.

ARLINGTON FIRE STATION NO. 8: HONOR AWARD

In Arlington’s Halls Hill neighborhood, a new fire station now stands where generations once fought for the right to serve. Born from the legacy of the all-Black Halls Hill Volunteer Fire Department — founded in 1918 amid segregation — Station No. 8 honors a history of perseverance and unity.

When the county proposed relocating the aging facility, the community rallied to keep it in Halls Hill. Their advocacy shaped a station that celebrates resilience while embracing the future. Six virtues — Perseverance, Courage, Honorable, Sacrifice, Community Leaders and Heroes — glow along the west façade, a testament to the volunteers of the past and the present firefighters.

The facility blends history with innovation: a bio-solar roof and electrical vehicle-ready infrastructure support the station in its goal of achieving LEED Gold certification. The station features flexible, fully accessible living quarters; inclusive spaces like gender-neutral bunk suites and spaces that promote camaraderie reflect a culture of respect. Arlington Fire Station No. 8 is more than a firehouse; it is a landmark of equity and community pride.

GODFREY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND HOUSE NO. 1: RECOGNITION AWARD

At the heart of Godfrey, Illinois, a new fire district headquarters strengthens readiness and unites service under one roof. Designed to consolidate emergency response, training, and administration, the facility enhances how first responders protect a 36-square-mile region.

Five drive-through apparatus bays support seamless operations, while clean zoning strategies protect health and safety. Expansive windows flood the interior with natural light.

Inside, a welcoming lobby honors the district’s heritage with the Fireman’s Prayer and a memorial wall, reminders that every act of service is part of a larger story. Meeting rooms and flexible training spaces nurture collaboration, while wellness-focused design offers firefighters places to recover and recharge.

Surrounded by open training areas and native landscaping, the station’s low, modern form settles gracefully into its setting. The Godfrey Fire Station Headquarters stands as both a functional center for emergency response and a visible symbol of the district’s enduring commitment to its people.