This Is What It Takes to Serve Avon.
Behind every emergency call is a system that has to work.
For more than 80 years, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) has protected this community through a volunteer model built on commitment, professionalism, and neighbors helping neighbors.
While the fire service has changed dramatically over the decades, the buildings we work out of have not.
For many years now, the realities of modern emergency response have been presenting major challenges for our current facilities. We must ensure the AVFD can continue serving Avon safely and effectively for decades to come.
This page is designed to help residents better understand:
- Who we are
- How we serve Avon
- What modern fire service requires
- Why our facilities matter
- What’s being proposed
- How to stay informed and involved
Who We Are
The Avon Volunteer Fire Department was founded in 1943 and remains a 100% volunteer fire department.
Today, the AVFD operates from four stations across town and responds to a wide range of emergencies including:
- Structure fires
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Medical assists
- Hazardous materials incidents
- Brush and woodland fires
- Technical rescues
- Alarm activations
- Storm-related emergencies
Our members are your neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family members. They balance careers, school, and family life while remaining ready to respond whenever the community calls.
Fire Service Has Changed
The demands of emergency response are very different than they were when our fire stations were built — our newest firehouse is 53 years old.
Modern fire apparatus are larger. Firefighters face increased exposure to harmful contaminants. Training standards have expanded. Emergency calls are more frequent and more complex. Severe weather events requiring overnight standby have become more frequent.
Fires burn hotter. Equipment is larger. Training requirements are greater. And the demands placed on volunteer firefighters continue to grow.
Today’s fire stations must support:
- Larger apparatus bays
- Proper ventilation and exhaust removal systems
- Clean and dirty gear separation
- Decontamination areas to reduce carcinogen exposure
- Appropriate living quarters during overnight standby events
- Modern training and community meeting spaces
- Safe storage for equipment and emergency response tools
The work has evolved. The buildings need to evolve with it.
What We’re Working With
AVFD members take great pride in making our facilities work.
But many of the department’s stations were each built more than 50 years ago and face increasing operational limitations. During recent storm standby operations, volunteers slept in makeshift accommodations because several stations lack appropriate overnight spaces.
In some cases:
- Apparatus barely fit inside existing bays
- Equipment is stored in shared or overflow spaces
- Facilities lack proper clean/dirty separation
- Volunteers responding during storm standbys sleep in makeshift accommodations
- Layout limitations impact efficiency and movement inside stations
Our members continue to respond professionally and effectively every day — but the challenges behind the scenes are real.
Thoughtful Planning & Cost Reduction
Over the past several years, the Town, AVFD, Building Committee, and project team have worked to reduce costs, eliminate unnecessary space, and focus on the department’s highest priorities.
Changes made throughout the process include:
- Reducing square footage where possible
- Consolidating administrative space
- Repurposing existing buildings instead of constructing new auxiliary structures
- Right-sizing living quarters
- Centralizing training and fitness areas
- Reusing existing sites wherever practical
This process has included independent studies, public meetings, prioritization workshops, and multiple rounds of cost reduction and value engineering. The result is a more efficient, focused plan designed to meet operational needs while remaining mindful of long-term cost.
The Planning Process
In 2022, the Town of Avon and the Avon Volunteer Fire Department engaged an independent consultant to complete a comprehensive master plan study evaluating the department’s facilities, operations, and future needs.
That process identified significant deficiencies at Companies 1, 3, and 4.
Since then, the Town, AVFD, and the Fire Station Expansion, Renovation & New Construction Building Committee have worked together through studies, workshops, public meetings, and design reviews to identify the most responsible long-term path forward.
The current recommended plan includes:
Company 3 — Construction of a New Facility
A new Company 3 station would provide:
- Modern apparatus bays
- Proper health and safety infrastructure
- Administrative and training space
- Living quarters for overnight standby events
- Improved operational efficiency
Company 1 & Company 4 — Renovation & Expansion
These projects would focus on:
- Safety and health upgrades
- Better apparatus accommodation
- Improved equipment storage
- Updated operational and support spaces
Additional project information, presentations, and updates are available on the Town of Avon AVFD Fire Station Expansion, Renovation & New Construction Building Committee page.
Why This Matters
Fire stations are not simply buildings.
They are critical public safety infrastructure that supports emergency response, firefighter health and safety, training, and community resilience.
For AVFD to remain a strong volunteer organization capable of serving Avon effectively into the future, the facilities supporting that mission must keep pace with the realities of modern fire service.
This effort is ultimately about:
- Public safety
- Volunteer sustainability
- Operational readiness
- Firefighter health
- Community resilience
Every Station Improves
This plan does not focus on a single station.
Each company receives improvements tailored to its operational needs and current deficiencies.
The goal is balanced investment across the department to support emergency response throughout the entire community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why now?
The Town and AVFD have spent several years studying facility conditions, operational needs, and future planning. Existing deficiencies have become increasingly difficult to ignore as equipment, standards, and service demands continue to evolve.
Avon has a strong tradition of investing in durable, high-quality municipal buildings, and the current fire stations are proof of that long-term value. The need for improvements has been discussed for years, and with construction costs continuing to rise, timely action is critical. Supporting safe, modern facilities will ensure volunteers are properly trained and protected while sustaining this vital service for generations to come.
Why can’t the current buildings simply be repaired?
Some stations can be renovated and expanded. However, the current Company 3 site cannot reasonably accommodate modern apparatus bays, operational needs, and current safety standards.
Is the AVFD still volunteer?
Yes. The AVFD remains a 100% volunteer fire department. AVFD remains committed to maintaining a strong volunteer fire department for the community. Modern facilities are an important part of supporting long-term volunteer recruitment and retention.
Why not just renovate everything?
Because some facilities — particularly Company 3 — cannot reasonably accommodate modern apparatus, safety requirements, operational flow, and future needs within the limitations of the current site.
Why can’t AVFD use a cheaper metal building?
The project team evaluated pre-engineered building concepts. However, the long-term operational, durability, resiliency, and layout limitations did not support that approach for a critical public safety facility.
Why not wait 10 years?
Construction costs continue to rise significantly over time. The project team estimates that delaying improvements substantially increases long-term cost while doing nothing to resolve current operational and safety issues.
Is the department trying to build “bigger” firehouses?
The planning process has actually reduced square footage in several areas and focused heavily on efficiency, operational needs, and long-term functionality.
Why move Headquarters to Company 3?
Consolidating headquarters and training functions at Company 3 eliminates redundant space and creates a more centralized, operationally efficient layout.
How much will this cost?
The total estimate for the project is $58 million.
Why is it so expensive?
Fire stations are highly specialized public safety facilities designed to remain operational during emergencies, severe weather events, and long-term service demands.
Modern fire stations must safely support:
- Large emergency apparatus
- Specialized equipment storage
- Firefighter decontamination and carcinogen reduction
- Exhaust ventilation systems
- Training spaces
- Emergency response operations
- Overnight standby accommodations during major storms and incidents
Unlike standard municipal buildings, fire stations must function 24/7 while supporting rapid emergency response and protecting firefighter health and safety.
In addition, construction costs across the country have increased significantly in recent years due to:
- Material costs
- Labor shortages
- Supply chain challenges
- Updated building and safety codes
Throughout this planning process, the Town, AVFD, Building Committee, and design team have worked to reduce unnecessary space, improve efficiency, and focus on the department’s highest operational priorities.
The goal is not simply to build new facilities — it is to ensure Avon’s fire service can continue operating safely, effectively, and responsibly for the next 50 years or more.
Why not build something smaller?
Because the facilities must safely support:
- current apparatus
- operational movement
- firefighter health standards
- storage
- training
- emergency readiness
The current recommendations already reflect multiple rounds of cost reduction, prioritization, and right-sizing efforts.
How does this help firefighters?
Modern stations improve firefighter safety through proper ventilation, clean/dirty separation, decontamination areas, safe storage, and improved standby accommodations.
How does this help the community?
Modern facilities support faster, safer, and more effective emergency response while helping the AVFD recruit and retain volunteers.
Where can I learn more?
Additional project information, presentations, and updates are available on the Town of Avon AVFD Fire Station Expansion, Renovation & New Construction Building Committee page.
Stay Connected
Over the coming months, the AVFD will continue sharing more about:
- How emergency response works
- What modern fire service requires
- Current facility realities
- Upcoming opportunities for community engagement
Upcoming Opportunities to Learn More
Coffee with the Chiefs
Join Fire Chief Bruce Appell and AVFD leadership for a casual, drop-in conversation at Dom’s Coffee.
From water supply and fire safety to apparatus, equipment, and the realities of our facilities, this is an opportunity to ask questions, learn more, and better understand how AVFD serves the community every day.
No presentations. No agenda. Just conversation.
Dom’s Coffee — 20 West Main Street, Avon
Thursday, June 11, 2026
8:00-10:00 a.m.
This event is part of a series of “Coffee with the Chiefs” events — we hope you’ll stop by. More to be announced soon — please keep an eye on this page and our social media (Facebook and Instagram).
Open Houses & Building Tours
Opportunities to see our stations, equipment, and operations firsthand.
Community Events
Find AVFD at local events throughout the summer and fall.
Memorial Day Parade — Monday, May 25, 2026
AVFD Annual Start Summer, Stop Hunger Food Drive — Saturday, June 20, 2026
The Avon Volunteer Fire Department will hold its Annual Food Drive to benefit the Avon Food Pantry — this year’s “Start Summer, Stop Hunger” food drive will be Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 7:45 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Stop & Shop located on the Avon/Simsbury line. Those unable to donate the day of the drive may drop off items for the food pantry at AVFD Company 1 located at 25 Darling Drive through June 20, 2025 during regular business hours.
While it’s easy to argue that a food drive is not part of the AVFD’s life-safety mission, those families who rely on the Avon Food Pantry need our help. With schools soon to be out for the summer and families headed away on vacation, the shelves at the pantry get pretty bare.
The Avon Food Pantry accepts any items. Suggestions include: cereal, cookies, tuna fish, pasta, peanut butter, jellies/jams, juices/juice boxes, bottled water, spaghetti sauce, canned fruit (except pineapple), granola bars, and cookies. The Food Pantry can also use paper supplies such as toilet paper, paper towels, etc., as well as laundry detergent and other household items.
Avon & Farmington 250 Celebration — Friday, June 26, 2026
Fire Station Open Houses
Emergency Services Day
Your Voice Matters
This is a community conversation.
As the Town moves forward with future decisions regarding AVFD facilities, resident awareness, engagement, and feedback will play an important role.
Additional opportunities to participate, ask questions, and stay informed will be shared in the months ahead.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about what it takes to serve Avon.
Have Questions? Want to Tour Our Fire Stations?
Drop us a note using the form below or call us at (860) 677-2644
