Stafford County, Va. – It’s proof that local governments are looking to do more with less money.
A 1920s-era farmhouse in North Stafford that was converted into a new fire station last year has received a statewide award.
The Virginia Association of Counties awarded Stafford County’s Fire Station 14 with a 2010 Achievement Award that recognizes model local government programs.
The station sits at 53 Shelton Shop Road in North Stafford and backs to a water tower outside North Stafford High School.
It’s one- eighth the size of a regular fire station, is big enough to house just four career firefighters and one engine, but has saved thousands of dollars in homeowners insurance, officials said.
“Getting station 14 up and running took a lot of creativity and fast work,” said Stafford County Board Chairman L. Mark Dudenhefer. “We are honored that our efforts were recognized and hope that our experience can help other localities facing difficult decisions during theses challenging economic times.”
County officials say the fire response times in North Stafford have fallen slightly, going from an average of eight minutes to eight minutes or less – an improvement for the neighborhood since the station opened in December.
Before the station was built, 911 calls would be dispatched to a fire station in nearby Aquia, about four miles away.
There were more than 60 entries into the counties competition from counties across the state.
Prince William County also won two awards, one for budget forecasting and the other for its transportation design-build process.
